United States lawmakers have issued a strong warning to the Nigerian government, accusing it of failing to curb rising insecurity and targeted killings across the country. The caution comes after U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged widespread persecution of Christians.
Speaking during a joint congressional briefing of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on the reported targeting of Christians in Nigeria, the lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as the Nigerian government’s slow and inadequate response to escalating violence.
Congressman Chris Smith, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, said the Nigerian authorities were neglecting their constitutional duty to protect citizens.
“The Nigerian government has a fundamental obligation to protect its citizens; however, perpetrators of persecution operate with complete impunity,” Smith said.
“The government is trying to run out the clock. We must act decisively to save more lives.”
Rep. Brian Mast echoed the call for firmer U.S. action, insisting Washington must demand measurable steps from Abuja.
“The U.S. must demand that the Nigerian government disarm these militias, return displaced families to their homes, and bring perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Riley Moore, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, added that international scrutiny would intensify as the crisis deepens.
“The world will no longer turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”
Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, criticized Nigerian authorities for ignoring early warning signals that could have prevented deadly attacks.
She stressed that communities often alert security forces before attacks, yet help rarely arrives.
“Too many times, villagers warn authorities of an impending attack and receive no protection. In some cases, even calls during attacks go unanswered. This is unacceptable,” Hartzler said.
The lawmakers concluded with a unified message: the U.S. must increase pressure on Nigeria to ensure accountability and meaningful action against the worsening violence.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said the CPC redesignation was in response to “genocide-level” killings targeting Christians in Nigeria.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria… We stand ready, willing and able to save our great Christian population around the world,” he wrote.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also raised alarm, saying Christian communities—particularly in northern Nigeria—have suffered repeated attacks, killings, and destruction of worship centres. CAN urged the government to demonstrate transparency and urgency in addressing the crisis.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied allegations of religiously targeted killings.
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