American lawmakers have issued a stark warning, declaring that Nigeria is fast turning into one of the most hazardous nations on earth for individuals to practice the Christian faith. This grave assessment came from the United States House Appropriations Committee in a social media post on Sunday, which emphasized that the escalating crisis can no longer be overlooked by the international community.
Congressional Scrutiny Intensifies Over Nigeria's Security Crisis
The public statement follows a critical joint briefing held by members of the powerful US House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This session, which took place on December 2, has renewed intense scrutiny of the Nigerian government's response to persistent violence affecting numerous communities across multiple states.
The briefing was convened under the directive of former President Donald Trump, who on October 31 instructed the committee to investigate the ongoing killings and abductions in parts of Nigeria and compile a report for the White House. Led by House Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart, lawmakers heard testimonies from a range of experts in security, foreign policy, and religious freedom.
These experts detailed recent large-scale atrocities, including the shocking abduction of 303 children and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School in Niger State on November 22. They also outlined separate assaults on worship centers in the states of Kwara, Zamfara, and Katsina.
Lawmakers and Experts Condemn Targeted Violence and Systemic Failure
In response to the harrowing testimonies, US lawmakers vowed to explore all available policy tools to support stability. Mario Díaz-Balart stated, “No one should live in fear because of how they worship.” He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that safeguard the freedom to live according to one's faith without the threat of violence.
Representative Robert Aderholt stressed that the alarming pattern of attacks demands closer attention from Congress, labeling the rising violence and targeted persecution of Christians a crisis that cannot be ignored. Similarly, Representative Riley Moore expressed deep concern, noting that “Our brothers and sisters in Christ are being persecuted and slaughtered in Nigeria simply for professing their faith.”
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast challenged common characterizations of the violence, arguing, “This is not merely ‘inter-communal violence’ or a ‘resource conflict.’ This is a targeted campaign of religious cleansing.” Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith pointed to systemic failures, criticizing the Nigerian government for not fulfilling its constitutional duty to protect citizens while perpetrators operate with impunity.
Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, informed lawmakers that the situation represents a clear escalation. “Religious freedom in Nigeria has been under siege in 2025 and, unfortunately, it seems to be getting worse,” she said, noting that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from violent attacks. She urged the US government to collaborate with Nigeria to improve accountability and ensure security assistance is more effectively targeted.
Linking the Crisis to Jihadist Threat and Prescribing Solutions
Sean Nelson of Alliance Defending Freedom International shared accounts from victimized communities, stating that Christians are often defenseless and that government protection has regularly failed. Ebenezer Obadare, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, directly linked the persecution to the threat posed by jihadist groups, specifically Boko Haram.
Obadare identified Boko Haram's campaign to establish an Islamic caliphate as the primary source of Nigeria's turmoil. He argued that any viable solution must involve the radical degradation and ultimate elimination of Boko Haram as a fighting force. He acknowledged that Nigerian authorities, particularly under President Bola Tinubu, have shown responsiveness to international pressure.
Following the US designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and President Trump's threat of unilateral military action, President Tinubu has taken several steps. These include ordering airstrikes against Boko Haram targets, recruiting an additional 30,000 police officers, and most recently, declaring a national security emergency.
Obadare proposed a two-fold policy goal for Washington: first, to collaborate with the Nigerian military to neutralize Boko Haram, and second, to pressure President Tinubu to make Sharia law unconstitutional in the twelve northern states where it has been adopted and to disband the various Hisbah groups enforcing Islamic law on all citizens.
The House Appropriations Committee confirmed it will continue working with the Trump administration to prepare a report outlining recommended US actions and policy responses to the deepening crisis.
