US Congress Probes Christian Persecution And Kidnappings In Nigeria As Security Debate Intensifies At Home

Amid rising global concern over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, committees of the United States Congress on Tuesday convened a joint briefing in Washington DC to examine the surge in kidnappings and the alleged persecution of Christians across the country. The session followed an October 31 directive from former President Donald Trump instructing the House Appropriations Committee to investigate what he described as the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria and submit a report to the White House.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s House of Representatives is set to open a major debate on national security today as insecurity deepens across several regions.

The US briefing was led by House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart and included lawmakers from both the Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees along with religious freedom experts. Participants included Reps Robert Aderholt, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Chris Smith, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler, ADF International’s Sean Nelson and Dr Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Díaz-Balart opened the session by stressing that religious freedom is both a moral obligation and an essential American interest. He noted that his FY26 funding bill reflects this commitment and pledged to advance policies that protect the right to worship without fear. Aderholt described the situation in Nigeria as a crisis that must not be ignored and urged support for vulnerable Christian communities.

Moore linked the briefing to the recent re-designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, declaring that the world can no longer overlook the ongoing attacks. Mast characterised the violence as part of a deliberate campaign aimed at driving Christians from ancestral communities in the Middle Belt and called on Nigerian authorities to disarm militias and secure displaced families.

Smith described Nigeria as the ground zero of religious violence where Christians and moderate Muslims face constant threats. He criticised what he termed the government’s tolerance of impunity and urged urgent international action.

Expert testimony painted a grim picture. Hartzler highlighted the abduction of more than 300 children and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in November, describing 2025 as a year of worsening religious freedom violations. She emphasised the need for accountability, improved security assistance and early-warning systems. Nelson detailed kidnappings, forced conversions and targeted killings in Christian communities, arguing that authorities frequently downplay the religious motivations behind attacks. Obadare identified Boko Haram as the most significant driver of violence and urged the US to sustain pressure on Nigeria to neutralise jihadist threats and address the constitutional issues around Sharia law in 12 northern states.

Committee officials confirmed that a comprehensive report will be submitted to President Trump with recommendations on how Congress can help curb religious persecution in Nigeria.

The briefing took place as US Nigeria security cooperation deepens through the new Joint Working Group, established to follow up on high-level discussions in Washington led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The group is expected to strengthen counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing and border security coordination.

Back home, security remains a top concern. Newsmen gathered at the National Assembly report that lawmakers will today begin debating the state of security. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu confirmed the session while presiding over Tuesday’s plenary. Mansur Soro of Bauchi State told newsmen that the state police bill will be laid this month as part of broader constitutional amendment proposals which also include power devolution and reserved seats for women. Soro noted that the bill has already been adopted by the joint Constitution Review Committees and, if passed by two-thirds of state assemblies, will move to the President for assent.

Marcus Onobun of Edo State reaffirmed support for decentralised policing, saying insecurity has outgrown the capacity of a centralised police structure. He argued that state police would empower governors to take direct responsibility for security within their jurisdictions. Osun lawmaker Bamidele Salam also backed the move, saying he has long supported policing at state and local government levels.

Also on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with service chiefs and security heads at the Aso Rock Villa. The meeting came only hours after the President nominated former Chief of Defence Staff Gen Christopher Musa as the new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Abubakar Badaru. Those present included CDS Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Army Chief Lt Gen W Shaibu, Air Chief Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, Naval Chief Vice Admiral I Abbas, Defence Intelligence Chief Lt Gen Akomaye Undiandeye, DSS DG Oluwatosin Ajayi and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Newsmen also observed Abia State Governor Alex Otti arriving at the Villa, though it was unclear whether he was part of the security meeting.