US Congress Opens Briefing on Alleged Persecution of Nigerian Christians

The United States House Appropriations Committee is leading a joint congressional briefing aimed at examining what officials describe as escalating attacks and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The session, scheduled for Tuesday in Washington, will be presided over by Committee Vice Chair and Chairman of the National Security Subcommittee, Mario Díaz-Balart. Lawmakers from the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees will also participate.

Congressman Riley Moore announced the briefing in a notice posted Tuesday on X, saying representatives from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and other experts are expected to give testimony.

According to the announcement, the roundtable will gather detailed evidence to support a comprehensive report “directed by President Trump on the massacre of Nigerian Christians and the steps Congress can take to support the White House’s efforts to protect vulnerable faith communities worldwide.”

Officials noted that the briefing will provide lawmakers with firsthand insight into the challenges faced by religious minorities in Nigeria.

The US–Nigeria briefing comes amid stronger security collaboration between both nations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved Nigeria’s delegation to the newly established US–Nigeria Joint Working Group.

The body, formed after high-level security talks in Washington led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, comprises senior government officials, security chiefs, and intelligence personnel.

Its mandate includes bolstering counterterrorism efforts, improving border security, enhancing intelligence sharing and coordinating humanitarian responses to conflict-affected communities.

The move follows renewed concerns in Washington over widespread insecurity across Nigeria, including terror attacks, banditry, and incidents described by rights groups as targeted assaults on Christian communities, particularly in northern and central regions.

Human rights advocates say vigilante groups, extremist militants, and criminal networks have contributed to a worsening climate of fear for civilians and religious minorities.

US lawmakers say the findings from Tuesday’s hearing will help shape future policy responses and support programs aimed at protecting persecuted groups.