Adeboye Urges US To Intensify Efforts Against Terrorism In Nigeria

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged the United States and its allies to intensify efforts to combat extremist groups operating in Nigeria, describing terrorism as a national crisis that continues to devastate communities across the country.

Adeboye’s call, made at an event in Washington, D.C., came amid growing appeals from Nigerian Christian leaders and U.S. religious freedom advocates for stronger international action to address terrorism and religiously motivated violence in Nigeria.

The renewed focus on religious freedom coincided with a gala in Washington, D.C., where U.S. President Donald Trump was presented the 2026 Faith Defender Award in recognition of his support for faith-based causes and religious liberty.

The event, organised by Save Nigeria Group USA in partnership with the U.S.-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition at the Hilton Garden Inn on Capitol Hill, brought together U.S. lawmakers, religious leaders, human rights advocates and members of the Nigerian diaspora.

Among the featured speakers were Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide.

During his remarks, Adeboye thanked President Trump for his administration’s actions against terrorism and appealed for continued U.S. engagement.

“Thank God for Trump. He means business,” Adeboye said.

He urged the United States and its allies to sustain efforts to combat extremist groups operating in Nigeria, describing terrorism as a nationwide challenge that has affected communities across the country.

Adeboye said insecurity had moved “to my doorstep” and called for greater international cooperation involving the United States, Britain, Australia, and other Western partners.

“If you want to help us, help us more. No matter who is in office in Nigeria, only God can help us. Use your influence to help us,” he said.

He also said he had advised President Bola Tinubu to engage with President Trump before military operations against terrorist camps in northern Nigeria and praised Trump for following through on policy commitments.

“I like him because when he says, ‘I want to do this,’ you better get ready,” Adeboye said.

Addressing humanitarian concerns, Adeboye said the Redeemed Christian Church of God operates an internally displaced persons camp and plans to establish a secondary school and vocational training programs for displaced families as millions of Nigerians had been displaced by violence.

In a keynote address delivered on his behalf, Bishop David Oyedepo described Nigeria as “virtually at the brink of collapse” and urged national and international stakeholders to take stronger action against terrorism and religious persecution.

“The intervention of the United States of America in Nigeria’s affairs is a most welcome one,” Oyedepo said. “My heart bleeds… We look forward to a nation that will be safe, peaceful, and prosperous again.”

Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback said Nigeria faced an urgent security challenge and called for sustained international support.

“Nigeria is at a fork in the road. Address this insecurity or face violent civil unrest,” Brownback said.

Brownback cited continued attacks in parts of Nigeria, including Plateau State, and urged stronger efforts to protect civilians and restore security.

Dr. Katrina Swett, a religious freedom advocate, also called for greater U.S. engagement, saying America has the capacity to support Nigeria’s efforts against terrorism and religious persecution.

Stephen Osemwegie, President of Save Nigeria Group USA and Convener of the U.S.-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, urged the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 7457, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act. He said the legislation would strengthen accountability for terrorism-related atrocities and reinforce U.S. support for religious freedom in Nigeria.

The gala concluded a week-long advocacy campaign that included a rally in Washington and meetings with U.S. lawmakers. Organizers said the campaign was intended to encourage greater international cooperation in addressing terrorism, protecting religious freedom, and supporting victims of violence in Nigeria.