A new report by the United States Congress has reopened global debate about Nigeria’s growing security crisis.
The report says Nigeria is now the most dangerous country in the world for Christians and calls for strong action from the US government.
The report is titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria.” It urges the US to use sanctions, tighter security steps, and steady diplomatic pressure to push Nigeria to act.
Nigeria Called “Deadliest Place for Christians”
Lawmakers say Nigeria has faced years of religious violence. They claim Christians suffer most from killings, kidnappings, and forced displacement. The report praises former US President Donald Trump for again naming Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). This label can lead to penalties and other actions. US lawmakers call it a rare chance to force real security and government reforms in Nigeria.
Claims of Militia and Terror Attacks
The report says armed Fulani militias and terror groups have killed tens of thousands of Christians, including pastors and priests. It also claims that many churches and schools in northern and central Nigeria have been destroyed. Lawmakers argue that strict blasphemy laws in some northern states are used to silence critics and target religious minorities. They say these laws increase fear and division.
Key US Lawmakers Lead Probe
The report is backed by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Several US lawmakers led the investigation, including Riley Moore, Tom Cole, Mario Díaz-Balart, Brian Mast, and Chris Smith. They held meetings and hearings with officials and rights groups to gather evidence.
Call for US–Nigeria Security Deal
One major proposal is a formal security deal between the US and Nigeria to protect Christian communities and fight terror groups. The report says Nigeria should help fund aid for victims, focus on displaced people in the Middle Belt, send stronger security forces to stop attacks, remove armed groups from seized farmlands, and help displaced families return home safely.
Sanctions and Terror Label Under Review
The report suggests publicly naming attackers, placing sanctions on those linked to violence, keeping visa bans in place, and reviewing whether some Fulani militia groups should be labeled Foreign Terrorist Organisations. Such a move could raise serious diplomatic tensions.
Report Calls for Sharia Law Repeal
Yes, the repeal of Sharia criminal codes is part of the report. The document calls for ending Sharia-based criminal laws and anti-blasphemy laws in some northern Nigerian states. Lawmakers argue that these laws are often used to target religious minorities and silence dissent. They say repealing them would help protect freedom of religion and speech and reduce religious tension.
Trade and Legal Reforms Proposed
Lawmakers also call for reviewing cattle and beef exports to countries like Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal to cut funding to armed groups. They argue these steps could reduce violence and restore trust.
Concerns Over Russia and China Links
The report urges the US to deepen security ties with Nigeria and move it away from buying Russian weapons. It calls for stronger counter-terror cooperation and better tracking of terror funding. It also raises alarm about alleged illegal mining linked to Chinese actors, claiming it may fuel insecurity in some regions.
A Regional Security Risk
Lawmakers warn that unrest in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, could destabilize West Africa and the Sahel. They say it may increase migration, boost extremist groups, and expand cross-border crime.
Call for a “Reset” in Relations
The report ends by urging both countries to rebuild their partnership around security reform, accountability, and protection of vulnerable communities. The findings have already sparked strong reactions globally. Inside Nigeria, the debate is expected to grow over religion, national sovereignty, and foreign pressure.
