A congressional hearing by the United States House of Representatives Sub-committee has again placed global attention on Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, with lawmakers insisting that the Nigerian government must urgently do more to halt widespread killings, kidnappings, and alleged persecution of Christians.
During Thursday’s session, the committee examined why insecurity continues to escalate across Nigeria and why international intervention may become necessary if the situation remains unchecked. Lawmakers stressed that any form of genocide—whether religious or ethnic—must be urgently addressed before it spirals further.
US Lawmakers Demand Action
The committee chairman, Rep. Chris Smith, said the protection of religious freedom must be demonstrated through concrete actions, not promises. He urged the Nigerian government to prosecute bandits and terrorist groups responsible for killings and mass abductions, especially those targeting Christian communities.
Officials from the U.S. State Department, Jacob McGee and Jonathan Pratt, presented troubling statistics showing that thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria over the last two years alone. They warned that insecurity is rising at a pace that demands stronger government response and deeper international engagement.
They also noted concerns tied to the presence of Islamic sharia law in 12 states, saying it raises questions about unequal treatment of people from other faiths.
Pratt emphasized: “Lives and properties of Nigerian citizens should be well secured irrespective of the location they reside in.”
Testimonies Point to Worsening Violence
Oge Onubogu, Director of the Africa Programme, urged caution in framing the crisis solely as genocide, noting that Nigeria faces a complex mix of banditry, terrorism, ethnic tensions, and weak enforcement capacity.
But Bishop Wilfred Anagbe delivered a far bleaker picture. He told lawmakers that Nigeria has become “the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian,” citing intensified attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani groups. According to him, entire communities are being displaced, food production destroyed, and millions left in worsening humanitarian conditions.
“Nigeria, already designated a Country of Particular Concern, must now be met with decisive action,” he warned.
High-Level Meeting in Washington
Coinciding with the hearing, U.S. Congresswoman Riley Moore held a closed-door meeting in Washington with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside top security and intelligence chiefs.
The Nigerian delegation included Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E. Undiendeye.
Moore described the meeting as “frank, honest, and productive,” noting that discussions focused on counterterrorism, security cooperation, and the protection of vulnerable communities—particularly Christians in the North-East and Middle Belt.
She stated:
“The United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subjected to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for their faith.”
US Lays Out Expectations
Congresswoman Moore stressed that both President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress expect to see stronger Nigerian collaboration in dismantling Boko Haram, ISWAP, and violent militant groups.
She warned that religious violence cannot continue unchecked, adding that Nigeria has an opportunity to deepen its partnership with the United States.
The U.S. government will continue to monitor developments and expects Nigeria to accept ongoing offers of security assistance to halt the bloodshed.