The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee has raised fresh concerns over rising insecurity and alleged targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. At a congressional hearing held on Thursday, lawmakers urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to curb violence and protect vulnerable communities.
The session coincided with a meeting in Washington, D.C., between U.S. Congressman Riley Moore and a high-level Nigerian security delegation led by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside other service and intelligence chiefs.
Congressional Concerns
Chairman of the Subcommittee, Rep. Chris Smith, said Nigeria must demonstrate stronger commitment to religious freedom and ensure accountability for violent attacks. He called for the prosecution of armed groups accused of killing Christians and carrying out mass kidnappings.
Officials from the U.S. State Department, Jacob McGee and Jonathan Pratt, told the lawmakers that thousands of Christians had been killed in Nigeria in the past two years. They urged the Nigerian government to address security gaps and guarantee equal protection for citizens across all regions, including states where Sharia legal systems operate.
Pratt noted that “lives and property of Nigerian citizens should be well secured irrespective of where they reside,” while McGee described recent killings and kidnappings in Kebbi State as evidence of worsening insecurity.
Oge Onubogu, Director of the Africa Programme, said the Nigerian government must take broader action to curb violence nationwide, warning against reducing the crisis solely to genocidal narratives because of its complex drivers.
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who had earlier testified before Congress, described Nigeria as “the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian,” citing intensified attacks by armed Fulani groups and Boko Haram. He warned that continued violence, mass displacement, and destruction of farmland threaten the survival of Christian communities in the North and Middle Belt.
Riley Moore Meets Nigerian Security Team
Congressman Riley Moore confirmed on his X handle that he held a “frank and productive” meeting with top Nigerian government officials to discuss rising violence and alleged religious persecution.
The Nigerian delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye.
Moore said he emphasised that the U.S. expects “tangible steps” from Nigeria to protect Christians from attacks and prevent further displacement and deaths. He reaffirmed U.S. readiness to collaborate with Nigeria to counter Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed militant groups responsible for violence in the Northeast and Middle Belt.
He added that the Nigerian government has an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the United States, noting that both President Donald Trump and Congress are committed to supporting efforts to end attacks on civilians.
According to Moore, Nigerian officials shared the challenges they face in combating terrorism and securing communities, while the U.S. plans to closely monitor developments and encourage Nigeria to accept security cooperation offers geared toward ending the violence.
