The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee held a hearing on Thursday examining rising insecurity in Nigeria and allegations of widespread attacks targeting Christian communities, insisting that the Nigerian government must intensify efforts to curb the violence.
The session also reviewed global cases of religious persecution and urged immediate action to halt genocidal attacks wherever they occur.
The hearing coincided with a separate meeting in Washington between U.S. Congressman Riley Moore and a Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside top security and intelligence chiefs.
‘Government Must Protect Citizens’ — U.S. Lawmakers
Chairman of the congressional panel, Rep. Chris Smith, said Nigeria must demonstrate a stronger commitment to religious freedom and ensure that perpetrators of killings and kidnappings face prosecution.
“Bandits killing Christians and those responsible for kidnappings must be brought to justice,” he said.
Officials of the U.S. State Department, Jacob McGee and Jonathan Pratt, told the committee that Nigeria must take firmer steps to guarantee religious freedom, noting that thousands of Christians have been killed over the past two years.
They also referenced growing concerns in the U.S. over rising violence across Nigeria and claims of unequal treatment of religious groups, particularly in the 12 northern states enforcing Sharia law.
Pratt stressed, “Lives and properties of Nigerian citizens should be protected regardless of where they live.”
Rep. Jacob added that Nigeria’s worsening security situation “requires security intervention,” citing recent killings and kidnappings in Kebbi State, where more than 200 people were reported dead and property destroyed.
‘Nigeria Is the Deadliest Place to Be a Christian’ — Bishop Anagbe
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who had testified before the U.S. Congress earlier in the year, described Nigeria as the most dangerous country in the world for Christians.
“Attacks by Fulani militants and Boko Haram have intensified, targeting Christian communities with impunity. More believers are killed there annually than in the rest of the world combined,” he said.
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He warned of a humanitarian crisis driven by mass displacement, destroyed farmland and food insecurity, adding that Christianity risks being wiped out from the North and Middle Belt without urgent intervention.
Riley Meets Nigerian Security Chiefs
Following the hearing, Congressman Riley Moore confirmed via his X handle that he held a “frank, honest, and productive” meeting with Nigeria’s national security team in Washington. Discussions focused on the alleged persecution of Christians and the escalating threat of terrorism.
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The Nigerian delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. E. Undiendeye, among others.
Riley said he made clear that the U.S. expects Nigeria to take “tangible steps” to ensure Christians are not subjected to violence, persecution or displacement.
“We stand ready to work with Nigeria to combat terrorism by Boko Haram, ISWAP and Fulani militants, especially in the North East and Middle Belt,” he said.
He noted that religious violence “cannot continue unchecked” and urged Nigeria to deepen cooperation with the U.S.
“The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen its relationship with the United States. President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria,” he added.
U.S. to Monitor Nigeria’s Next Steps
Riley said the U.S. would closely monitor developments and expects Nigeria to accept offers of cooperation aimed at ending the bloodshed and improving protection of civilians.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
