The United States has significantly intensified diplomatic, legislative, and military pressure on Nigeria over escalating violence against Christian communities, while simultaneously strengthening its operational footprint in West Africa through deepened security cooperation with Ghana.
In a strongly worded joint report submitted to President Donald Trump on Monday, February 23, 2026, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs described Nigeria as “the most dangerous place in the world to practise the Christian faith.”
The committees urged the Trump administration to impose targeted sanctions, withhold security assistance, expand visa restrictions, and renegotiate bilateral security terms with Abuja. They also recommended invoking Country of Particular Concern (CPC) presidential directives and conditioning funding on verifiable action to halt religious violence.
The report followed congressional hearings, bipartisan fact-finding missions, and consultations with administration officials. Lawmakers warned that unchecked extremist attacks risk destabilising West Africa and threatening U.S. national security interests.
Key recommendations include:
– Implementation of Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations legislation withholding funding to Nigeria pending demonstrable progress against religious violence
– Repeal of Sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws, which they argue enable systemic religious discrimination
– Disarmament of Fulani herdsmen, including potential restrictions on beef and cattle exports
The committees described jihadist networks as having exploited weak enforcement and limited accountability to carry out coordinated attacks on Christian communities for nearly two decades.
Chairman Tom Cole stated: “Liberty continues when strength stands guard. Protecting the freedom to worship requires vigilance that deters evil, confronts violence, and stands watch so prayer is never left undefended.”
Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart added: “We must stand with vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for this violence are held accountable.”
Ghana engagement strengthens U.S. operational reach
In a parallel development, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama met AFRICOM Commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson at Jubilee House in Accra on Monday to discuss expanded defence cooperation and joint maritime operations.
Anderson emphasized that terrorist networks have migrated significantly into West Africa, exploiting ungoverned spaces in the Sahel. He stressed that no single nation can contain the threat alone.
The U.S. Christmas Day airstrike on Sokoto, Nigeria, was reportedly launched from a U.S. naval platform off Ghana’s coast, underscoring Ghana’s growing role as a strategic launchpad for U.S. operations in the region.
Ghana has deepened military ties with the U.S. in recent years, hosting AFRICOM’s largest exercise (African Lion), partnering on medical readiness, joint drills, and co-hosting the Africa Maritime Forces Summit.
FG denies persecution, ransom claims
The Federal Government has rejected allegations of state-backed religious persecution and denied paying ransom or releasing militant commanders to secure abducted schoolchildren.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris described claims of religious bias as “completely false and baseless,” insisting that Nigeria faces terrorism, organised criminality, and communal tensions—not government policy targeting any faith.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom under the Constitution and highlighted intensified military operations, forest guard deployments, intelligence-sharing, and investments in security assets.
On ransom allegations related to the St Mary’s Catholic School abduction in Niger State, Idris said: “No ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed.” He described helicopter ransom delivery claims as “fake and laughable.”
The government urged media verification to avoid emboldening criminals and undermining troop morale, while expressing openness to constructive dialogue with international partners.
PDP, ADC demand probe
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have accused the government of encouraging criminality through alleged ransom payments, warning that such actions violate anti-terrorism laws and incentivise further abductions.
Both parties referenced reports of massive ransom sums and called for full transparency and accountability.
CAN cautions against Sharia repeal
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned that U.S. congressional calls to repeal Sharia and blasphemy laws could inflame religious tensions. CAN advocates a new, people-driven constitution that fairly accommodates all faiths rather than selective repeal.
Kano Assembly responds to U.S. claims on Kwankwaso
The Kano State House of Assembly urged the state government to formally address U.S. allegations reportedly linking former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to terrorism and asset freezes.
The motion, moved by Usman Tasiu (NNPP–Kiru), praised Kwankwaso’s contributions to peace, education, and infrastructure, describing him as a unifying figure.
