Nigeria’s Security Crisis Under The Spotlight: US Lawmakers Issue Full Statement

On Tuesday, a joint briefing was held with the House Foreign Affairs Committee to examine the escalating violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Religious freedom and foreign relations experts attended the session, which follows President Donald Trump’s October 31 directive to the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the killings of Christians in Nigeria.

Key attendees included:

• Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the National Security, State Department, and Related Programs Subcommittee

• Rep. Robert Aderholt, Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and Values Action Team (VAT)

• Rep. Riley Moore, Vice Chair of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee and religious liberty advocate

• Rep. Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

• Rep. Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee

• Hon. Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

• Sean Nelson, Alliance Defending Freedom International

• Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations

Key Statements from Lawmakers:

• Rep. Díaz-Balart: “No one should live in fear because of how they worship. Defending religious liberty worldwide is both a moral duty and a vital American interest. In my FY26 funding bill, I am committed to policies that protect the freedom to live according to one’s faith without fear of violence. Passing a full-year funding measure is essential to advancing an America First agenda.”

• Rep. Aderholt: “The rising violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a crisis that cannot be ignored. We must stand firmly with Nigeria’s Christian communities and all persecuted believers worldwide. Our collaborative efforts provide the President with the information needed to confront this growing tragedy.”

• Rep. Moore: “Christians in Nigeria are being persecuted and slaughtered simply for professing their faith. That’s why President Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and tasked the House Appropriations Committee to investigate. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to this persecution.”

• Rep. Mast: “This is not merely inter-communal violence; it is a targeted campaign of religious cleansing. Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and radicalised Fulani militants aim to drive Christians from their ancestral lands. We support President Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. The Nigerian government must disarm these militias, return displaced families, and bring perpetrators to justice.”

• Rep. Smith: “Christians and moderate Muslims in Nigeria live under constant threat from radical Islamist groups. The Nigerian government has a constitutional duty to protect its citizens, yet perpetrators operate with impunity. Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. will hold Nigeria accountable for its complicity in this persecution. We must act quickly to save lives and ensure justice.”