The United States has urged the Nigerian government to enhance protections for Christians following the abduction of over 170 worshippers in Kaduna State on January 18, 2024. Speaking in Abuja, Allison Hooker, the US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, emphasized the need for Nigeria to guarantee the rights of its Christian population to practice their faith without fear.
This call comes in the wake of serious concerns regarding violence against religious communities in Nigeria. Gunmen attacked three churches in Kaduna, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for immediate action. President Bola Tinubu has since declared national security emergencies in vulnerable areas across the country.
During the inauguration of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, Hooker noted that the partnership between the two nations is founded on mutual interests, ranging from trade to security and regional stability. He referenced President Donald Trump‘s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern on October 31, 2025, asserting that significant progress has been made in collaborative efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
“Discussions will focus on deterring violence against Christian communities, prioritizing counter-terrorism, and ensuring accountability for attacks,” stated Hooker. He underscored the importance of reducing killings, forced displacement, and abductions, particularly in Nigeria’s North-Central states.
In a related statement, President Trump claimed that US forces are actively “annihilating terrorists who are killing Christians” in Nigeria. He asserted that these militants have “killed thousands and thousands of Christians.” These remarks were made during a peace signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he highlighted the significance of global peace efforts.
The Nigerian government is responding to these challenges with tangible actions. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has announced intensified security operations and the deployment of forces to areas frequently targeted by terrorists. He indicated that these efforts are not merely policy statements but are backed by concrete actions on the ground.
Ribadu also mentioned that Nigeria is expanding its early-warning and rapid-response systems, alongside developing a national database to collect accurate data on casualties resulting from violence. This initiative aims to strengthen decision-making and enhance accountability in security responses nationwide.
“The protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is fundamental,” Ribadu asserted, emphasizing that violence based on religious differences is regarded as an attack on the Nigerian state itself. He added that the government’s response combines security operations with humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication to foster public confidence.
Furthermore, Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, highlighted the strategic relationship between the US and Nigeria, which includes military and intelligence cooperation. He noted that this collaboration has resulted in operational gains, such as improved intelligence sharing and coordination between the US AFRICOM and Nigeria’s military.
Idris also mentioned that the US has committed to supplying Nigeria with essential military equipment, including drones and helicopters, which have been delayed over the past five years. This support underscores the ongoing partnership aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s security capabilities.
In light of the Kaduna abductions, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen has called on security agencies to rescue the kidnapped worshippers and apprehend the attackers. Tajudeen condemned the assaults on places of worship and reiterated the need for collective efforts to ensure safety for all Nigerians.
As security challenges persist, the Nigerian government maintains its commitment to refining its strategies and fostering cooperation with international partners. The focus remains on delivering tangible results that enhance the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
