US Renews Pressure on Nigeria Over Attacks on Christian Communities

The United States has renewed its call on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts aimed at protecting Christians, urging stronger and more decisive action in response to ongoing security challenges.

The appeal was made on Wednesday by US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, during a high-level US-Nigeria Working Group meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

While acknowledging recent improvements, Hooker stressed the need for a more robust and sustained approach, particularly in light of continued attacks on communities, most notably in the north-east of the country. She said enhanced measures were necessary to ensure the safety of Christians and other vulnerable groups.

Hooker pointed to the Nigerian government’s role in securing the release of 38 Christians abducted from a church in Kwara State, as well as 265 individuals taken from St Mary’s Catholic School, describing the developments as tangible progress.

According to her, these outcomes reflect the impact of sustained engagement between the United States and Nigeria, underscoring the importance of their security partnership.

She further noted that strengthening religious freedom and improving security would reinforce broader US-Nigeria relations, including cooperation in trade, economic development, public health, and counter-terrorism efforts. Such progress, she added, would also support the safe return of internally displaced persons to their home communities.

Responding to the remarks, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the government has adopted deliberate and firm measures to address insecurity nationwide. He highlighted intensified joint security operations and the continued deployment of forces to high-risk areas, particularly communities experiencing repeated attacks on civilians and religious groups.

Ribadu also said investigations and prosecutions linked to attacks on religious communities have been stepped up, emphasising that those responsible would face not only military action but also justice and accountability.