The United States Congress has presented a damning report titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria”, declaring Nigeria the deadliest country in the world for Christians. The report highlights ongoing violent attacks by well-armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, destruction of churches and schools, and widespread kidnappings. President Donald Trump was commended for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) to hold perpetrators accountable and compel the Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities.
The Congress noted that blasphemy laws in northern Nigeria are being used to silence dissent, target Christians and minorities, and justify convictions without due process. Investigations involved congressional hearings, delegations to Nigeria, and consultations with civil society and government witnesses. The report concluded that Nigeria’s government must demonstrate political will, including allocating resources, to reduce violence and protect at-risk communities.
Key recommendations include a bilateral agreement between the United States and Nigeria to protect Christians, eliminate jihadist terror activity, expand economic cooperation, and counter foreign adversaries like China and Russia. Measures suggested include co-funding humanitarian aid, supporting early-warning systems to prevent attacks, removing Fulani militias from farmland, and enabling displaced communities to return safely.
The report also urges the Nigerian government to enhance security cooperation with the U.S., replace Russian military equipment with American systems, strengthen security forces’ capabilities, implement demobilization and reintegration programs for armed groups, and support land reform and livestock management initiatives. These measures aim to improve safety, stability, and economic productivity in affected regions, particularly the Middle Belt.
Additional recommendations call for comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation, sanctions and visa restrictions on perpetrators of violence, repealing Sharia and anti-blasphemy laws, blocking the export of cattle products from Fulani militias, and engaging international partners like France, Hungary, and the UK. Congress emphasized accountability through monitoring aid, improving policing, strengthening the criminal justice system, and safeguarding financial systems to ensure both Nigerian stability and U.S. national security interests.
