US Congress submits report to Trump on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have submitted a report to the White House outlining findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The report was presented following a directive by US President Donald Trump, who had redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and tasked Congressman Riley Moore and Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole with leading an investigation into security challenges and claims of religious persecution in the country.

Moore confirmed the submission in a post on X, noting that the report was the outcome of months of investigations, including hearings, consultations with religious leaders, and on-the-ground assessments by bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria.

During the fact-finding mission, the delegation visited internally displaced persons camps in Benue State, met victims of terrorism, and held discussions with Nigerian officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

According to Moore, the investigation provided a clearer picture of security threats in Nigeria and the challenges faced by Christian communities. He urged the Nigerian government to deepen cooperation with the United States in addressing violence and instability.

The report recommends establishing a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling extremist networks. It also proposes withholding certain US funding until measurable progress is made in curbing violence, as well as imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals or groups found responsible for religious persecution.

Other recommendations include offering technical support to Nigeria to address attacks linked to armed groups, reviewing religious laws such as Sharia and blasphemy statutes, and strengthening collaboration with international partners including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.

Moore commended the Trump administration for its commitment to addressing security concerns in Nigeria, stating that his visit to affected communities highlighted the scale of the violence and the urgency of coordinated action.

He added that the report represents a bipartisan effort involving key lawmakers, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Congressman Chris Smith, to support measures aimed at improving security and protecting vulnerable populations in Nigeria.