House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), together with Appropriators Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Rep.
Riley Moore (R-WV) convened a joint briefing with the House Foreign Affairs Committee to address the escalating violence and targeted attacks against Christians in Nigeria. The discussion featured leading experts on religious freedom and foreign policy.
The roundtable builds on President Donald J. Trump’s October 31st directive instructing the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the ongoing killing of Christians in Nigeria and report back with detailed findings.
Participants at the briefing included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Riley Moore, Rep. Brian Mast, Rep. Chris Smith, Hon. Vicky Hartzler, Sean Nelson of ADF International, and Dr. Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart stated that “no one should live in fear because of how they worship,” stressing that defending global religious liberty remains both a moral and strategic American priority. He highlighted that his FY26 funding bill addresses this growing crisis and emphasized his plan to reinforce these measures through a full-year funding package that supports an America First agenda.
Congressman Aderholt described the rising attacks on Nigerian Christians as a worsening emergency that demands immediate international attention. He reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to protecting vulnerable groups facing life-threatening persecution for their beliefs.
Congressman Moore condemned the widespread violence, emphasising that Christians in Nigeria are being “persecuted and slaughtered” simply for professing their faith. He noted that President Trump previously designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, citing the severity of the persecution. Moore commended Díaz-Balart for gathering experts to provide detailed insights into the urgent situation.
Chairman Mast dismissed claims that the violence is merely “inter-communal” or “resource-based,” insisting it represents a systematic campaign of religious cleansing. He pointed to extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and radicalised Fulani militants as the driving forces behind the violence. Mast reiterated his support for reinstating Nigeria’s CPC designation and urged the Nigerian government to act decisively by disarming militant groups and ensuring justice for displaced families.
Congressman Smith described Nigeria as “the ground zero of religious violence,” where Christians and moderate Muslims face constant threats of murder, rape, and torture from Islamist extremists. He criticised the Nigerian government for allowing attackers to operate with impunity and expressed confidence that, under President Trump’s leadership, the US will hold Nigeria accountable for failing to protect its citizens.
“Government must take decisive action”
Expert witnesses provided deeper analysis of the crisis and outlined actionable steps to strengthen US cooperation with Nigeria in addressing religious persecution.
Hon. Vicky Hartzler highlighted the alarming rise in attacks in 2025, including the November 22 kidnapping of over 300 children and teachers from St. Mary’s School in Niger State and recent killings in Kwara and Katsina States. She emphasised that while Christians remain the primary victims, Muslims also suffer from escalating violence. Hartzler argued that the Nigerian government must take urgent, decisive steps to stop these killings.
Hartzler also praised President Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and discussed ways the US can encourage accountability, including improved transparency, police reform, conflict mediation, and investment in early-warning systems to prevent attacks. She noted that local communities often alert authorities before assaults, yet no help arrives—an ongoing failure that has cost countless lives.
Sean Nelson of ADF International shared first-hand accounts of Christians facing wrongful imprisonment, torture, abduction, forced marriage, and mob violence driven by harsh blasphemy laws enforced across twelve northern Sharia states. He criticised Nigerian authorities for ignoring warnings from threatened communities and failing to deploy security resources where Christians are most vulnerable.
Nelson also highlighted Nigeria’s severe blasphemy laws, noting that several northern states permit death sentences for alleged offences. This policy fuels mob killings such as those of Deborah Yakubu and Rhoda Jatau.
Dr. Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations identified jihadist terrorism—particularly from Boko Haram—as the core driver of Nigeria’s instability. He argued that no meaningful solution can succeed without a focused effort to dismantle Boko Haram’s operational capabilities. Obadare recommended that Washington apply strategic pressure on Nigeria, combining incentives with firm expectations for legal and security reforms.
Obadare pointed to recent actions taken by President Tinubu, including ordered airstrikes, recruitment of 30,000 new police officers, and the declaration of a national security emergency. He urged the US to maintain pressure, aiming to both neutralize Boko Haram and push for constitutional reforms to eliminate Sharia-based enforcement bodies in northern states.
The House Appropriations Committee continues to work with the Trump Administration to confront global religious persecution. Investigations into the killings of Christians in Nigeria are underway, with a comprehensive report being prepared for President Trump outlining congressional recommendations to support US efforts.
What you should know
The discussion in Congress reflects rising global concern over severe religious persecution in Nigeria.
US lawmakers and experts argue that Christian communities face targeted violence from extremist groups while security responses remain inadequate.
The Trump Administration’s renewed pressure aims to hold Nigeria accountable and strengthen protection for vulnerable religious groups.
