The United States has issued a strong appeal to the Nigerian government to significantly enhance security measures for Christian communities across the nation. This urgent call comes in the wake of renewed reports of kidnappings and violent attacks, particularly the recent abduction of over 170 Christians in Kaduna State on January 18.
High-Level Meeting in Abuja Addresses Security Concerns
US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, delivered this message during a crucial high-level US–Nigeria Working Group meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation to deter violence against Christian communities, improve counterterrorism operations, and ensure accountability for perpetrators of such attacks.
US Acknowledges Progress but Highlights Ongoing Threats
Hooker acknowledged that some progress had been made, citing the Nigerian government's successful efforts in securing the release of 38 Christians abducted from a church in Kwara State and another 265 from St. Mary's Catholic School. She described these developments as real progress resulting from sustained engagement between the two nations.
However, the US official expressed serious concern over the fresh Kaduna incident, emphasizing the need for immediate action. "We want to see an end to this type of violence. And we are here to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians and their right to practise their faith freely and safely," Hooker stated firmly.
Ribadu Outlines Nigeria's Comprehensive Security Strategy
In response, Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, detailed the administration's deliberate steps to confront insecurity. He emphasized that the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable for the Nigerian state.
Ribadu outlined several key initiatives being implemented:
- Intensified joint security operations and sustained deployment of forces to priority locations experiencing recurrent attacks.
- Expansion of early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms to prevent incidents.
- Development of a national database to serve as an authoritative source of accurate data on violence-related deaths and casualties.
- Enhanced investigations and prosecutions related to attacks on religious communities to ensure justice and accountability.
Religious Freedom as Foundation for Deeper Cooperation
Hooker further emphasized that advancing religious freedom and improving security would deepen US–Nigeria relations in several critical areas. These include strengthening trade and economic cooperation, enhancing healthcare responses, and bolstering counterterrorism efforts.
"We also hope to identify ways to return internally displaced persons to the communities from which they were expelled in the North-Central states, interdict weapons and funding going to terrorist groups, expand investigations, and ensure the prosecution of individuals and groups committing atrocities," Hooker added, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the proposed cooperation.
Long-Term Partnership Beyond Security
Ribadu noted that the partnership between Nigeria and the United States extends well beyond security cooperation. It encompasses democratic resilience, respect for the rule of law, regional stability in West Africa, and joint efforts to prevent extremist actors from exploiting governance gaps and social divisions.
He stressed that progress should be assessed based on long-term trends and institutional capacity building, rather than isolated incidents in Nigeria's complex security environment. This approach, Ribadu argued, provides the most responsible and credible basis for partnership evaluation between the two nations.
The high-level meeting in Abuja was attended by senior officials from both governments, signaling the importance both nations place on addressing these security challenges and protecting vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
