2nd December 2025: Washington, D.C. — Senior U.S. lawmakers have launched a joint investigation into the rising wave of violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria, following a directive from President Donald J. Trump ordering the House Appropriations Committee to report on the crisis.
The closed-door briefing, led by Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, brought together key members of the House Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees, alongside religious freedom experts and security analysts.
Key Points from the Briefing
Lawmakers described the violence in Nigeria as a “targeted campaign of religious cleansing”, rejecting claims that the conflict is merely communal or resource-driven.
President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) was repeatedly emphasized as a necessary step to address what officials called one of the world’s deadliest religious-freedom crises.
Expert witnesses warned that religious freedom in Nigeria is “under siege”, citing recent mass abductions, church attacks, mosque killings, and the rising influence of extremist groups.
Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and radicalized Fulani militant bands were identified as the primary perpetrators of violence targeting Christians and moderate Muslims.
Witnesses accused the Nigerian government of ignoring early warnings of attacks, failing to deploy security forces, and enabling impunity through weak response mechanisms.
Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, which carry the death penalty in 12 northern states, were described as fueling mob violence and systemic persecution.
Expert Recommendations
Increase U.S.–Nigeria cooperation on security assistance, including police reform, early-warning systems, and counter-insurgency support.
Pressure Nigeria to:
Neutralize Boko Haram,
Disarm militant groups,
Make Sharia death-penalty laws unconstitutional,
Disband Hisbah religious police forces in northern states.
Support displaced Christian communities and hold Nigerian officials accountable for failure to protect civilians.
Next Steps
The House Appropriations Committee is preparing a comprehensive report for President Trump outlining policy options and congressional actions to help curb religious persecution and protect vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
