A joint briefing was held in Washington, D.C. by members of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee to address the increasing violence and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The event followed President Donald J. Trump’s directive on October 31 for the House Appropriations Committee to investigate reports of Christian killings in Nigeria and report their findings.
The roundtable included Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Honorable Vicky Hartzler from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Sean Nelson from Alliance Defending Freedom International, and Dr. Ebenezer Obadare from the Council on Foreign Relations.
Díaz-Balart stated, "No one should live in fear because of how they worship. Defending religious liberty worldwide is both a moral duty and a vital American interest. As Chairman of the subcommittee that funds U.S. national security interests and foreign policy priorities, I remain committed to advancing policies that protect the freedom to live according to one’s faith without fear of violence and retribution. I address this issue in my FY26 funding bill, and I intend to strengthen these efforts by passing a full-year funding measure, which is essential to advancing an America First agenda."
Congressman Aderholt added, “The rising violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a crisis that can’t be ignored. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to protect the most vulnerable, including those whose lives and liberties are threatened simply because of their faith. We must stand firmly with Nigeria’s Christian communities and all persecuted believers worldwide, and I commend our collaborative efforts to provide the President with the information needed to confront this growing tragedy.”
Moore remarked, "Our brothers and sisters in Christ are being persecuted and slaughtered in Nigeria simply for professing their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That’s why President Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, and why he asked me, along with the House Committee on Appropriations, to look into the horrific persecution of Christians in Nigeria. I’m grateful to Chairman Díaz-Balart for convening this critical discussion to receive expert testimony and engage in an important dialogue to ensure we have a full picture of the ongoing crisis Nigerian Christians face every day. The world will no longer turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria."
Chairman Mast said, “This is not merely 'inter-communal violence' or a 'resource conflict,' as many claim. This is a targeted campaign of religious cleansing. Whether it is Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, or radicalized nomadic Fulani militants, the objective is to drive Christians out of their ancestral lands in the Middle Belt and impose a radical Islamist ideology, as has already happened across the northern states, where blasphemy laws are used to oppress. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I firmly stand with President Trump in his decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. We must demand that the Nigerian government disarm these militias, return displaced families to their homes, and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Congressman Smith noted concerns about safety for both Christians and moderate Muslims: "To be a Christian—or moderate Muslim—living in Nigeria means to be living under the constant threat of murder, rape, and torture by radical Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists... The Nigerian government has a fundamental constitutional obligation to protect its citizens; however, perpetrators operate with complete impunity... Under strong leadership from President Trump...the United States will hold [Nigeria] accountable...We must act quickly..."
Expert witnesses described recent attacks against schools and churches affecting hundreds—including children—and outlined broader patterns impacting Muslims as well as Christians.
Honorable Vicky Hartzler said: "Religious freedom in Nigeria has been under siege in 2025...Just a few days ago...303 children & 12 teachers were abducted...in Niger State…Muslims too fall victim…bandits abducted over 100 individuals…from mosque[s]..." She called for greater accountability measures between U.S.-Nigeria governments including improved security assistance programs.
Sean Nelson shared firsthand accounts: “Our cases have involved Christians unjustly imprisoned by Sharia courts…Christians kidnapped & tortured…girls taken from parents & forced into marriages…” He described failures by law enforcement when communities seek help during imminent attacks.
Dr. Ebenezer Obadare identified jihadist terror groups like Boko Haram as primary drivers behind instability: “The deadliest & most serious threat confronting [Nigeria] today is jihadist terror perpetrated by…the Islamist group Boko Haram.” He recommended continued international pressure alongside reforms targeting Sharia law implementation at state levels.
The House Appropriations Committee continues working with administration officials on reporting requirements stemming from presidential directives regarding religious persecution investigations abroad.
