U.S. Moves to Pressure Nigeria on Security of Christian Communities

By Ochuko Kokofe,

The Trump administration is developing an extensive plan aimed at compelling the Nigerian government to strengthen protections for Christian communities and improve its overall record on religious freedom, senior U.S. officials told lawmakers this week.

Jonathan Pratt, the senior official leading the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, briefed the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the emerging strategy. He revealed that the plan would explore a range of measures, including potential U.S. State and Treasury sanctions, enhanced counterterrorism cooperation, and other interventions to safeguard vulnerable religious groups.

“This plan will consider U.S. State and Treasury engagement on sanctions, as well as possible Department of War engagement on counterterrorism, and other efforts to protect religious communities,” Pratt said. He added that Washington is closely reviewing the security support it provides to Nigeria, including how the Nigerian government deploys assets and shares intelligence.

In October, the Trump administration returned Nigeria to its “Countries of Particular Concern” list, an annual designation for nations accused of violating religious freedom. President Trump also disclosed that he asked the Defense Department, newly renamed the Department of War, to prepare for possible “fast” military action should Nigeria fail to curb the killing of Christians. He further announced the immediate suspension of aid and assistance to Africa’s largest economy and oil producer.

Nigeria, home to more than 200 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions, has long been recognized for its history of coexistence. However, the nation continues to experience sporadic outbreaks of violence, often tied to ethnic tensions, land disputes, and limited resources. The extremist group Boko Haram has also waged a 15-year insurgency in the northeast, killing tens of thousands many of them Muslims, according to human rights experts.

A high-level Nigerian delegation arrived in Washington on Wednesday for meetings with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and top Pentagon officials. The team includes Nigeria’s national security adviser, the defense chief, the head of defense intelligence, and the inspector general of police.

Pratt said he does not believe Nigeria’s government has been infiltrated by jihadists, countering some claims circulating in recent years.

Jacob McGee, deputy assistant secretary in the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, emphasized the significance of Nigeria’s new designation and its impact on policy discussions in Abuja.

“The designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern was an important step that captured the attention of the Nigerian government, but a lot more needs to be done,” McGee said. “We are planning engagement on the ground, both through our embassies there and other trips, to make sure Nigerians hear our very important message, that they have to do better.”

The ongoing dialogue in Washington signals growing U.S. pressure on the Tinubu administration to confront rising insecurity and protect religious communities amid mounting international scrutiny.