U.S. Urges Nigeria to Step Up Protection for Christians Following Kaduna Abductions

U.S. Urges Nigeria to Step Up Protection for Christians Following Kaduna Abductions

The United States government has called on Nigeria to take stronger and more decisive action to protect Christian communities, following the recent abduction of over 170 worshippers in Kaduna State.

The Kaduna State Government and the police initially denied the abduction on January 18, 2026, but later confirmed the incident, revealing that the abductors are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles valued at ₦28.9 million as a condition for releasing the victims.

Speaking at a U.S.–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja on Thursday, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker emphasized the need to deter violence against Christians, strengthen counterterrorism efforts, and ensure accountability for attacks.

“While recent actions, including the release of 38 Christians in Kwara State and 265 students from St. Mary’s Catholic School, represent progress, the recent Kaduna abductions show that more must be done to guarantee the safety of Christians and their right to freely practise their faith,” Hooker said.

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Hooker also highlighted that advancing religious freedom and security will enhance U.S.–Nigeria relations in areas such as trade, economic cooperation, health responses, and counterterrorism, while supporting the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.

In response, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu acknowledged the severity of the security situation and confirmed that the government is intensifying military and law enforcement operations in affected areas. He stressed that attacks framed along religious lines are unacceptable and will be met with force and justice.

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and other faiths—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised expanded security deployments, enhanced intelligence coordination, and stronger investigations into attacks on religious communities.”

Ribadu also outlined measures such as early-warning systems, rapid-response mechanisms, and a national database to track deaths and casualties. He reiterated that perpetrators of attacks on religious communities will be tracked, investigated, and prosecuted, ensuring justice and accountability alongside security responses.

The U.S. and Nigerian authorities are now working collaboratively to curb violence in North-Central states, interdict funding to terrorist groups, and restore security to vulnerable Christian communities.

U.S. Urges Nigeria to Step Up Protection for Christians Following Kaduna Abductions