US Congressional committees held a joint briefing in Washington, D.C., on the kidnappings and alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The session, mandated by President Donald Trump to investigate the “slaughter of Christians,” involved the House Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees. Key participants included Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, Robert Aderholt, and Chris Smith, alongside religious freedom experts.
Key Points from the Briefing:
- Moral Obligation: Vice Chair Díaz-Balart called global religious freedom an “essential American interest,” vowing to advance policies that protect faith without fear.
- A Growing Crisis: Rep. Aderholt deemed the situation “a crisis that can’t be ignored,” urging support for persecuted believers.
- Targeted Cleansing: Foreign Affairs Chairman Rep. Mast framed the violence as a “targeted campaign of religious cleansing,” asking Nigeria’s government to disarm militias.
- Ground Zero: Africa Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Smith called Nigeria “ground zero of religious violence” and criticized the Nigerian government for “complete impunity” for perpetrators.
- Expert Testimony: Witnesses cited the recent mass abduction of over 300 children from a Catholic school, with USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler calling for improved accountability and use of US security aid. Expert Sean Nelson detailed kidnappings, torture, and deadly attacks on Christian communities.
- Jihadist Threat: Dr. Ebenezer Obadare identified Boko Haram as the central driver of violence and urged US pressure on President Tinubu to neutralize the group and make Sharia law unconstitutional in Northern states.
- Next Steps: Committee officials are preparing a comprehensive report with recommendations for President Trump.
Nigeria’s Security Response
The briefing comes amid increased US-Nigeria security cooperation, including a new Joint Working Group to enhance counterterrorism efforts.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria:
- Parliamentary Debate: The Nigerian House of Representatives is scheduled to debate the state of security today, Wednesday.
- State Police Bill: Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu confirmed a debate on security, and the report on the State Police Bill is expected to be laid this month. Lawmakers support state police as a “national necessity” for localized response to worsening insecurity.
- President’s Meeting: President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with Service Chiefs and security heads on Tuesday, hours after nominating a new Minister of Defence. This follows his declaration of a nationwide security emergency last week, which included plans for recruiting 20,000 police officers and protecting vulnerable areas.
