The United States is reviewing a series of potential diplomatic and security measures—including targeted sanctions and enhanced Pentagon involvement in counterterrorism operations—as it seeks to persuade the Nigerian government to strengthen protections for Christian communities and uphold religious freedom, a senior U.S. State Department official told lawmakers on Thursday.
Jonathan Pratt, who oversees the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, said during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that the Trump administration is preparing a coordinated strategy to both “incentivize and compel” improved safeguards for religious groups in Nigeria. He noted that discussions include possible actions by the U.S. State and Treasury Departments, alongside a broader counterterrorism role for the Department of War, the new name President Trump has assigned to the Pentagon.
Pratt emphasized that Washington’s immediate focus is on the level of security support provided to Abuja and how Nigerian authorities deploy those resources. “We are closely assessing information-sharing, operational coordination, and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s responses to threats against religious communities,” he said.
Growing U.S. Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Handling of Religious Violence
Nigeria returned in October to the U.S. list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” a designation reserved for governments that fail to prevent or engage in severe violations of religious freedom. President Trump has repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of neglecting Christian communities and has publicly warned that Washington may take “swift military action” should Nigeria fail to address ongoing killings.
The administration has also announced the suspension of certain forms of aid to Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people and a key U.S. security partner in West Africa.
Nigeria Pushes Back on Accusations of Christian Persecution
Nigerian officials maintain that claims of state-enabled persecution overlook the country’s long-standing—though fragile—religious coexistence among Christians, Muslims, and practitioners of traditional faiths. Authorities argue that most violence stems from overlapping security crises, including banditry, farmer–herder conflicts, and long-running insurgencies, rather than targeted religious aggression.
The extremist group Boko Haram remains one of the most significant threats, having waged a 15-year insurgency in the northeast that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Human rights monitors note that the majority of Boko Haram’s victims have been Muslim civilians, underscoring the group’s indiscriminate violence.
High-Level Nigerian Delegation Meets U.S. Officials
As part of ongoing diplomatic engagement, a Nigerian delegation led by the national security adviser arrived in Washington this week for discussions with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and senior officials at the Department of War. The group includes Nigeria’s defense chief, the head of defense intelligence, and the inspector general of police.
President Bola Tinubu dispatched the delegation in an effort to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and counterterrorism cooperation.
Pratt clarified during Thursday’s hearing that he does not believe the Nigerian government has been infiltrated by jihadist elements, a charge periodically circulated in political debates.
Jacob McGee, the deputy assistant secretary for the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, said the recent U.S. designation has successfully captured the attention of Nigerian leaders. However, he stressed that “substantial additional progress” is required.
“We intend to intensify engagement through our embassy and through ongoing and future visits to ensure that Nigerian authorities fully understand the seriousness of our concerns,” McGee added.
Source:Africa Publicity
