U.S. Congress Submits Report to Trump on Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria

U.S. Congress Submits Report to Trump on Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a comprehensive report to President Donald Trump detailing their findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and ongoing security challenges in the country.

The report follows President Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under U.S. religious freedom criteria and was the result of months of investigation led by Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole. The investigation involved hearings, expert testimonies, and bipartisan fact-finding missions to Nigeria.

Congressman Moore confirmed the submission on his X handle (@RepRileyMoore), noting that the report draws on on-the-ground assessments, interviews with internally displaced persons, meetings with government officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and consultations with religious leaders.

During the Nigeria visit, congressional delegates visited IDP camps in Benue State, assessed the impact of terrorist attacks, and observed first-hand the security risks facing Christian communities. Moore emphasized that the findings provide a clear picture of the threats in Nigeria, including attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed militias, which have led to killings, abductions, and widespread displacement.

“This report underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to address these pressing security challenges and protect vulnerable communities,” Moore said. He also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen ties with the United States to jointly combat violence and ensure the safety of civilians.

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Key Recommendations in the Report

The report contains specific recommendations aimed at protecting civilians and promoting security, including:

• Establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement to safeguard Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks.
• Conditioning U.S. aid on measurable actions by the Nigerian government to prevent violence against civilians.
• Implementing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals or groups responsible for religious persecution.
• Providing technical and strategic support to Nigerian security forces to counter attacks by Fulani militias and other armed groups.
• Encouraging reforms of restrictive laws, including Sharia and blasphemy statutes, that may contribute to discrimination.
• Collaborating with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to coordinate security and humanitarian responses.

Moore described the report as a blueprint for action, reflecting firsthand observations and expert consultations. “We hope this report will guide policy to protect innocent civilians, strengthen bilateral relations, and promote long-term stability in Nigeria,” he said.

The report has drawn attention to the complex security landscape in Nigeria, where religious and ethnic tensions, terrorism, and armed banditry continue to threaten communities, particularly in the northern and central regions.

The Nigerian government has previously rejected allegations of genocide or targeted persecution of Christians, describing such claims as misinformation, while reaffirming its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the security of all citizens.

U.S. Congress Submits Report to Trump on Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria