US Lawmakers Demand Action on Nigeria's Religious Violence

On November 12, 2026, the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing to evaluate Nigeria's response to religious persecution and insecurity in the Middle Belt, a year after the US designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern due to violations of religious freedom. Congressman Chris Smith, the chairman, expressed concerns over the continued violence against Christian communities, including killings, kidnappings, and attacks on churches.

The designation by former President Donald Trump on October 31, 2025, aimed to prompt urgent action from the Nigerian government to protect religious communities. Testimony from Nina Shea described Nigeria as the deadliest country for Christians, with 72 percent of faith-related killings occurring there, primarily attributed to armed Fulani militants.

Shea's testimony highlighted organized attacks on rural Christian villages, raising alarms about the effectiveness of the Nigerian government's measures to ensure safety and security for these communities.