US seeks stronger cooperation with Nigeria to protect Christians amid rising security concerns

US seeks stronger cooperation with Nigeria to protect Christians amid rising security concerns

The United States is pushing for deeper cooperation with Nigeria to address ongoing attacks on Christians, a senior US official said on Thursday, weeks after President Donald Trump threatened potential military action over the issue.

A high-level Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, is currently in Washington for talks focused on US concerns regarding the persistent killings affecting Christian communities in Africa’s most populous nation.

Jonathan Pratt, the State Department’s top official for Africa, told the US Congress that the delegation is scheduled to meet Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to develop a coordinated response.

According to Pratt, the Trump administration aims to “work with the Nigerian government on an action plan and to set up a task force” dedicated to protecting vulnerable Christian populations. While he did not confirm any military considerations, he acknowledged that internal discussions had occurred “on the security side of the equation.”

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He added that the US intends to “use all tools at our disposal” to ensure sustained attention on the issue.

Nigeria, a religiously diverse nation, continues to grapple with multiple violent conflicts — many of which claim both Christian and Muslim lives. While Christian groups refer to the crisis as a form of “genocide,” several analysts argue that many of the clashes are tied to resource disputes rather than purely religious motives.

Catholic Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, speaking via video link during the congressional hearing, criticised the Nigerian government for what he described as “silence and refusal to engage” on attacks targeting Christians. He said Abuja had failed to treat the killings as a national emergency.

Representative Sara Jacobs, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, denounced Trump’s rhetoric as “reckless,” warning that threats of military action had already strained relations between Christian and Muslim communities. She questioned the administration’s decision to cut funding meant to strengthen community dialogue, arguing that a military-heavy approach could worsen civilian harm and fuel extremism.

The debate in Washington highlights escalating international concern over Nigeria’s insecurity and the growing pressure on the federal government to provide greater protection for its citizens.

US seeks stronger cooperation with Nigeria to protect Christians amid rising security concerns