U.S. Congress Declares Nigeria Deadliest for Christians

A joint report delivered to the White House by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and the U.S.

House Foreign Affairs Committee has classified Nigeria as the "deadliest place to be a Christian." This report, which follows a bipartisan congressional visit to Nigeria, highlights the urgent need for policy measures that extend beyond religious violence to include concerns about illegal Chinese mining operations and the influence of Russian military presence. The report recommends a bilateral U.S.-Nigeria security agreement aimed at dismantling jihadist networks and protecting vulnerable communities.

It also suggests withholding certain U.S. assistance pending actions against religious violence and imposing sanctions on individuals linked to persecution. Lawmakers are particularly concerned about the activities of the Fulani militia and the displacement of communities.

The report emphasizes the need for Nigeria to reconsider its defense procurement relationships, particularly with Russia, to enhance U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation.