Amanze Chinonye
The United States House Appropriations Committee has intensified its investigation into the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, following directives from President Trump.
The committee is preparing a comprehensive report outlining ways Congress can support the White House’s efforts to combat religious persecution globally.
The development comes weeks after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations and threatened potential military action if the Nigerian government failed to halt what he described as the “mass slaughter of Christians.” The Nigerian federal government has consistently denied these claims.
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US Signals Tough Measures on Nigeria Amid Reports of Christian Persecution
During a joint congressional briefing held on Tuesday, lawmakers accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately address rising insecurity and killings across the country.
“The Nigerian government has a fundamental, constitutional obligation to protect its citizens; however, the perpetrators of this persecution operate with complete impunity,” Congressman Chris Smith told the gathering.
The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee emphasized that the United States will hold Nigeria accountable for the ongoing attacks, warning that Washington cannot allow the government to “run out the clock” on protecting its citizens.
Lawmakers called for decisive action to save lives and restore stability, with Congressman Brian Mast backing President Trump’s CPC designation and urging the Nigerian government to disarm militias, return displaced families to their homes, and bring perpetrators to justice.
Riley Moore, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee and a leading advocate for religious liberty, reinforced the narrative of targeted persecution, stating:
“The world will no longer turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”
At the briefing, Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, criticized Nigerian authorities for inaction despite early warnings of impending attacks. She highlighted instances where villagers alerted local law enforcement but received no protection, calling the failures “unacceptable.”
Experts also weighed in on the security crisis. Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, traced the insecurity primarily to jihadist terror gangs, particularly Boko Haram. He urged the U.S. to maintain pressure on Nigeria to neutralize the threat and implement broader reforms.
Obadare recommended that the U.S. push President Bola Tinubu to:
1. Declare Sharia law unconstitutional in the twelve northern states where it has been implemented since 2000.
2. Disband Hisbah groups enforcing Islamic law on citizens irrespective of religious identity.
The briefing followed a congressional hearing on 20 November 2025, which examined escalating violence in Nigeria and President Trump’s recent CPC declaration. Nigeria was first designated as a CPC in 2020 but was removed under President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump’s redesignation on 31 October 2025 renewed U.S. scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of religious freedom, coupled with threats to halt aid and assistance if the situation remained unaddressed.
The U.S. government continues to work closely with Congress to formulate strategic measures aimed at combating religious persecution and addressing insecurity in Nigeria, placing the issue at the forefront of international human rights and foreign policy discussions.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
