What You Need to Know
The US Congress has published a report alleging religious persecution of Christians in Nigeria, following months of investigations. The report, crafted by right-wing lawmakers, calls for targeted sanctions against individuals and groups obstructing religious freedom. It highlights violence against Christians and suggests measures to address the issue.
Africa-Press. The US Congress has issued a new report presented at the White House, following months of investigations and consultations regarding allegations of persecution against Christians in Nigeria.
The report, drafted by members affiliated with the Christian right, presents a series of accusations that some observers have described as “unfounded.” It proposes targeted sanctions against individuals and groups suspected of obstructing religious freedom in the country.
This report comes after a field investigation conducted by members of Congress in late 2025, which included meetings in Nigeria and Washington with officials, local figures, and experts on religious violence.
In their findings, lawmakers claim that Christians are the “primary victims of violence” in Nigeria, describing their situation as a case of systematic “persecution.”
US Representative Riley Moore clarified via his account on platform X (formerly Twitter) that the report outlines “concrete actions” aimed at “ending persecution,” noting that the proposed plan includes broad security and legislative recommendations.
The report specifically points to Fulani militias, accusing them of direct involvement in attacks and acts of violence, calling on the Nigerian government to disarm these militias and rehabilitate their members through internationally funded programs.
Additionally, the report accuses Chinese entities of financing armed groups in northwest Nigeria to facilitate illegal mineral exploitation in those areas.
In this context, a representative from the US Treasury is currently in Nigeria to discuss issues related to combating terrorism financing and armed groups, a move seen as part of the increasing US pressure on Abuja to cooperate on this matter.
The report also includes a clear call for the abolition of Islamic law applied in several predominantly Muslim states in northern Nigeria. American lawmakers believe these laws are used to “silence Christian minorities” in those states, claiming that they represent an obstacle to enhancing religious freedoms.
Furthermore, the report urges Nigeria to strengthen cooperation with its international partners, particularly in combating terrorism and the attacks carried out by armed groups in the north and west.
In the backdrop of this controversy, Washington has reinstated Abuja on the list of “countries of particular concern” regarding religious freedom since October 2025.
The US Ambassador to the United Nations states that up to 80% of violence directed against Christians worldwide is concentrated in Nigeria, justifying, in Washington’s view, the necessity for international intervention.
Nigeria has faced significant religious tensions, particularly between its Muslim and Christian populations. The rise of militant groups, such as Boko Haram and Fulani militias, has exacerbated violence, leading to widespread human rights concerns. The US has increasingly scrutinized Nigeria’s handling of religious freedom, reflecting a growing international focus on the issue.
