U.S. Congress Flags Rising Insecurity, Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria

A U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee, during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, spotlighted concerns over escalating insecurity in Nigeria, with lawmakers warning that alleged attacks on Christians amount to a growing genocide that must be urgently addressed.

The hearing also stressed the need to curb genocidal violence in other parts of the world.

The discussion coincided with a high-level meeting between U.S. Congressman Riley Moore and a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside senior security and intelligence officials.

Congressional Hearing Focuses on Religious Freedom and Rising Killings

Rep. Chris Smith, chairing the hearing, said religious freedom must be demonstrable, insisting that the Nigerian government must do more to protect its citizens.

“Nigerian government must prosecute bandits who are killing Christians and responsible for kidnapping,” he said.

State Department officials Jacob McGee and Jonathan Pratt added that Nigeria must reinforce protections for religious freedom, warning that thousands of Christians have been killed in the past two years.

They also referenced former President Donald Trump’s stated intention to intervene in Nigeria to halt what he described as Christian genocide. The officials highlighted concerns over 12 Nigerian states practicing Islamic Sharia law, which they said could lead to unfair treatment of other religious groups.

According to Pratt:

“Lives and properties of Nigerian citizens should be well secured irrespective of the location they reside in.”

Rep. Jacob Jacobs added:

“Nigeria is facing its difficult challenges in securing lives and properties and that calls of security intervention. Recent killing and kidnappings in Kebbi State… shows the level of insecurity.”

Oge Onubogu, Director and Senior Fellow of the Africa Programme, urged the Nigerian government to step up efforts to curb killings but cautioned against categorizing the entire crisis solely as genocide, saying several intertwined issues are at play.

Bishop Anagbe: Nigeria is the ‘Deadliest Place on Earth to Be a Christian’

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who previously testified before Congress, issued a stark warning:

“Nigeria has become the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian… More believers are killed there annually than in the rest of the world combined.”

He accused Fulani militants and Boko Haram of attacking Christian communities with impunity, displacing millions and worsening food insecurity.
He urged global intervention, insisting:

“Nigeria… must now be met with decisive action.”

Congressman Riley Moore Meets Ribadu, Security Chiefs in Washington

In a separate meeting disclosed on his X handle, Congressman Riley Moore said he held a “frank, honest, and productive” discussion with top Nigerian officials on the alleged persecution of Christians and Nigeria’s ongoing battle with terrorism.

The Nigerian delegation included:

• Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
• IGP Kayode Egbetokun
• AGF Lateef Fagbemi, SAN
• General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff
• Lt. Gen. E. Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence

Riley stated:

“I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subjected to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

He pledged that the U.S. is ready to support Nigeria in combating Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants, especially in the North East and Middle Belt.

Riley warned that continued violence could damage bilateral ties unless Nigeria acts swiftly.

“President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians… I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue.”

The Nigerian delegation reportedly outlined security challenges and requested stronger collaboration with international partners.

Riley concluded that the U.S. will closely monitor developments and expects Nigeria to accept assistance aimed at dismantling militant networks and ending widespread bloodshed.

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