US Urges Stronger Protection For Nigerian Christians

The United States, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has called on the federal government to do more to ensure protection of Christians and their rights to practise their faith freely.

Allison spoke at the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group meeting held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in Abuja.

This comes a few days after gunmen attacked churches and abducted over 170 worshippers in Kaduna State.

She said the December 25 airstrikes in Sokoto State were closely coordinated with Nigeria, adding that the US will continue to work with Nigeria to defeat terrorists groups.

The under secretary commended Nigeria for ordering the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police officers for deployment to protect vulnerable communities since President Trump’s engagement.

She further commended the arraignment of nine individuals involved in a June massacre in Benue state and the  arrest of 39 suspects allegedly fleeing Sokoto State after the Department of War authorized strikes on December 25.

She also lauded the Nigerian government for  securing the release of 38 Christians abducted from a church in Kwara State, and another 265 abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic school.

She said these progress were a direct result of the United States engagement with the Nigerian government.

She however, expressed concern  about recent reports that gunmen kidnapped more than 170 Christians in Kaduna State which occurred on 18 January 2026.

“ The government of Nigeria must do more to protect Christians and their right to practice their faith freely and safely,” she said.

Allison called on local government leaders to work with NGOs to meet the needs of the victims’ families.

She said, “Advancing religious freedom and security will help the United States and Nigeria to enhance the reciprocal benefits of our relationship: solidifying trade and economic deals, degrading terrorist groups that threaten our interests, and strengthening health responses, among many other areas,”.

The under Secretary urged government to identify ways to return internally displaced persons to the communities from which they were expelled in the North Central States.

She further urged the government to block weapons and funding going to terrorist groups, and expand investigations and ensure prosecution of individuals and groups committing atrocities.