International music superstar Nicki Minaj has made a powerful spiritual intervention amidst the escalating security crises in Nigeria and Cameroon. The American rapper responded to a viral video from Pope Francis calling for the release of abducted individuals in both West African nations.
Nicki Minaj's Divine Intervention
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Nicki Minaj took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to offer a heartfelt prayer for hostages held by bandits. Her tweet directly addressed the alarming surge of kidnappings targeting priests, students, and other civilians.
The rapper wrote: "Dear God, release your immediate intervention in this matter. Rescue the hostages & may the peace that surpasses all understanding fall upon their families right now. Lord, we know your power. With faith & thanksgiving in advance, we claim the victory. In the mighty name of JESUS."
Papal Call Sparks Global Attention
Minaj's prayer came as a direct response to Pope Francis' emotional appeal for the immediate release of victims abducted in Nigeria and Cameroon. In a widely circulated video, the pontiff described the situation as causing "great pain," particularly emphasizing the suffering of kidnapped young people and their distressed families.
The collaboration between the Vatican and one of music's biggest stars has drawn significant attention to the security challenges facing both countries. This unusual alignment between religious leadership and celebrity activism highlights the severity of the kidnapping epidemic.
Nigerian Netizens React
The response from Nigerian social media users has been overwhelmingly positive, though mixed with calls for concrete action from local authorities.
User @ararsoabdull commented: "As an African Muslim Person, my heart breaks for our kidnapped brothers & sisters in Niger State & Cameroon. Sister Nicki, your prayer echoes the Qur'an's call: 'And whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely' (5:32). Let's unite faiths Christians, Muslims."
Another user, @OluOlabode_, expressed appreciation while calling for governmental accountability: "We appreciate the prayers, truly. But Nigeria shouldn't be a nation where we rely on global voices before justice is pursued. God will do His part — but our leaders must do theirs. We need action, not reactions. Enough is enough."
Other notable reactions included:
- @Pildorasdefe: "Nicki Minaj, a celebrity who is willing to risk her career for the values of the Gospel, to defend Christians in Nigeria. Long live Christ the King!"
- @allthingzabsurd: "When Nicki Minaj and the Vatican are aligned, you KNOW the situation is serious."
- @fuseboxx7: "I never thought I'd see this, but it is a welcome miracle."
This isn't the first time Nicki Minaj has spoken out about Nigerian issues. Her old tweets supporting EndSARS protesters in 2020 recently resurfaced online, though some critics have accused her of using Nigeria's insecurity for clout.
The rapper's continued engagement with Nigerian affairs, combined with the Pope's influential voice, has created unprecedented international awareness about the hostage crises affecting both Nigeria and Cameroon.
