US LAWMAKERS SLAM NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT OVER RISING INSECURITY, CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION
US lawmakers have accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately respond to escalating insecurity and targeted killings across the country.
The criticism came during a joint congressional briefing on Tuesday held by the United States House Appropriations Committee, which focused on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, lawmakers expressed concern in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations, coupled with his threat of potential military intervention.
“The Nigerian government has a fundamental constitutional duty to protect its citizens, yet the perpetrators of these attacks act with total impunity,” Congressman Chris Smith stated.
The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee warned that the US would hold Nigeria accountable for the ongoing violence. “The Nigerian government is trying to run out the clock; we cannot allow this. Urgent and decisive action is needed to save lives,” he added.
Representative Brian Mast echoed these concerns, supporting Trump’s CPC designation and emphasizing that the US must press the Nigerian government to disarm militias, restore displaced families to their homes, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Riley Moore, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, reinforced allegations of persecution, declaring, “The world will no longer turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”
Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, criticized Nigerian authorities for inaction despite early warnings. She highlighted the need for early warning systems and insisted that government officials must respond promptly to protect communities.
“Far too often, villagers alert authorities about impending attacks and receive no assistance, leading to devastating consequences,” Hartzler said.
Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, attributed Nigeria’s insecurity largely to jihadist groups, particularly Boko Haram. He noted that Trump’s CPC designation has increased pressure on the Nigerian government to strengthen security operations, including recruiting more personnel and declaring a national security emergency.
Obadare recommended a two-pronged US policy approach: supporting the Nigerian military to neutralize Boko Haram and pressuring President Tinubu to abolish Sharia law in the twelve northern states where it has been implemented and disband Hisbah enforcement groups.
On November 20, a US Congressional hearing further examined Nigeria’s escalating violence and Trump’s CPC designation. Nigeria was first designated as a CPC in 2020, a status later removed under President Joe Biden, but reinstated by Trump on October 31, 2025.
Trump warned that failure by the Nigerian government to address these issues could result in the suspension of US aid and other interventions.
