US House of Representatives launches Probe into Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

The session, slated for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live online, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-time advocate on global religious liberty issues.

According to an invitation issued to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the hearing will convene two panels. The first panel will feature senior officials from the US Department of State, including Jonathan Pratt, the Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

A second panel will include prominent voices from religious and policy organisations, among them the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The review will assess the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible US responses, ranging from targeted sanctions to humanitarian assistance and increased cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Trump’s Hardline Position
President Trump reignited debate on October 31, 2025, when he returned Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that paves the way for sweeping punitive measures against foreign officials implicated in religious repression. In a strongly worded statement the following day, he alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an “existential threat,” claiming thousands had been killed by Islamist extremists.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump warned. “We may very well go into that country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities.”

He also directed the US “Department of War” to prepare for possible intervention, saying any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

Nigerian govt aware of policies fueling Christian persecution, chooses media manipulation – Ted Cruz.

United States Senator, Ted Cruz has claimed that the Nigerian government is aware of policies fueling alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, but chooses media manipulation over accountability.

In a statement he posted on his X account on Friday, Cruz also warned about a PR campaign being waged by the Nigerian government to fight the accusations.

“Nigerian officials know their policies have created an environment in which Christians are being persecuted and slaughtered, including their enforcement of sharia law and their tolerance of Islamist violence,” Cruz said (via Fox News Digital).

“Instead of reversing these policies, they are waging a media campaign to escape exposure and accountability. I intend to prevent them from doing so.”

This is coming after the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Yusuf Tuggar, recently spoke on the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

United States President Donald Trump had designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern a few weeks ago.

Trump cited what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and the failure of the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities.

The US leader also said he had asked the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”

But the Nigerian government has strongly denied the persecution of any religious groups in the country

Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano is very much alive & in good health, despite viral social media claims alleging that he had died.

Commissioner for Information, C. Don Adinuba, debunked the rumours on Friday, calling them false, misleading & deliberately mischievous.

Adinuba revealed that he had spoken directly with Obiano, confirming that the ex-governor is “hale & hearty” & currently living in the United States not the United Kingdom as falsely reported.

“Obiano has never lived in the United Kingdom. He resides in the United States of America. I just spoke with him now,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to dismiss the fabricated report, warning that such reckless misinformation could cause unnecessary panic for Obiano’s family, associates & the people of Anambra State.

Obiano who governed Anambra State from 2014 to 2022 after succeeding Peter Obi, was born on August 8, 1955 & hails from Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened diplomatic talks with the United States following President Donald Trump’s threat of possible military action over alleged killings of Christians. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said communication channels with Washington are active and that the situation is being clarified. He dismissed claims of religious persecution, insisting Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation and that the conflict is not religiously driven. Idris also accused US-based lobby groups linked to a proscribed separatist organisation of spreading misinformation. Trump had ordered the Pentagon to draft an attack plan after warning that Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in Nigeria.

'Under My Watch, America Couldn’t Act in Africa Without Informing Nigeria’ — Fmr. Pres. Obasanjo.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says that during his time as Nigeria’s Head of State, the United States under late President Jimmy Carter did not take any major action in Africa without informing Nigeria.

Obasanjo made the statement on Monday in Abeokuta during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat organized by the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

His remarks come amid ongoing reactions to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that America could deploy troops to Nigeria if the Federal Government fails to stop killing linked to jihadist groups. 

The Federal Government has since rejected Trump’s comments, insisting insecurity affects all groups and is being addressed.

While Obasanjo did not mention the controversy directly, he recalled a period when Nigeria was regarded as Africa’s clear leader. He said Nigeria once commanded strong international respect, noting that Carter would always notify Nigeria before any U.S. move in Africa.

“They were not seeking permission, but they would inform us,” he said.

Obasanjo added that his administration and that of the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed restored Nigeria’s global standing after what he described as a loss of confidence following independence.

“At independence, the world saw Nigeria as a giant. Soon after, we lost that. When Muritala and I came in, we brought it back,” he said.

Addressing the youths at the retreat, Obasanjo urged them to be “positively disruptive” to take up leadership roles rather than waiting indefinitely. He cited examples of sit-tight leaders across Africa and cautioned that if youths leave the future to current leaders, “there may be no tomorrow left to inherit.”

“You have the numbers,” he said, “but the number only matters when you use it.”

Trump’s threat: America couldn’t do anything without our knowledge under my watch – Obasanjo.

In a veiled remark on the ongoing controversy over President Donald Trump’s military invasion threat on Nigeria, the former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday disclosed that under his watch as the Nigeria’s Head of State, late United States President Jimmy Carter would not do anything in Africa without his knowledge.

It would be recalled Trump, in a series of posts on X between October 31 and November 1, condemned continued killings in Nigeria, declaring America’s readiness to send its military to Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to stop the killings by jihadist groups, the remarks which has sparked divergent reactions from both the Federal Government and prominent Nigerian leaders and religious organizations in past weeks.

The federal government particularly rejected Trump’s allegations, insisting that the country’s insecurity affects all religious groups.

Speaking on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat (6.0) organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Obasanjo did not make a direct remark to the ongoing controversy, but he tactfully recalled how the US under Carter held Nigeria in high esteem.

Obasanjo and Cater, who died recently in December 2024, were regarded as best of friends.

In January this year, Obasanjo held a memorial service in Abeokuta in honour of Carter, where he paid glowing tributes to the late US President who died at age 100.

According to Obasanjo, right from independence, the world and indeed America saw Nigeria as Africa’s leader, saying the country lost the confidence at some point before the Muritala-Obasanjo military regime “brought it back. “

Going down memory lane, Obasanjo said Cater as the US President would not do anything on African soil without informing the Nigerian government when he was Head of State.

Unacceptable’ – Deputy Senate President Asks Trump To Withdraw Statement And Apologise.

The Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Upper Legislative Chambers, Senator Jibrin Barau, has slammed United States President Donald Trump over his recent statement on alleged Christian killings in Nigeria.

Speaking in reaction to Trump’s remarks in a viral video released on Friday, Barau urged Trump to immediately withdraw his recent threat against Nigeria and issue a public apology for describing the country as “disgraced.”

According to the lawmaker, Trump’s comments were “unacceptable, un-American, and a violation of international law.”

He said Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, would not tolerate any form of intimidation or interference.

“For the president of the United States to come out and say, ‘Nigeria is a disgraced country, and we are going to attack you,’ is quite unacceptable,” Barau said.

“He should understand, retract that statement, and apologise to Nigeria.”

Barau maintained that Trump’s utterances breached diplomatic norms and international law, saying “It’s against international law. Whatever you feel about our country, follow the legal route. Go to the United Nations, get a resolution, and act in line with that. To bypass that process is quite un-American.”

The lawmaker insisted, “We are not scared to speak the truth. If Trump were here, I would tell him directly that he has gone against international law and that his approach is wrong.”

“President Trump Is Very Serious, Don’t Test Him” — U.S. Lawmaker Riley Moore Tells Nigerian Government to Embrace U.S. Partnership

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has warned that President Donald Trump’s resolve should not be tested, describing the President as “very serious about this.”

Moore stated that the United States’ intervention in Nigeria presents an opportunity for “Nigerians to strengthen and deepen their relationship with the United States.” He added that Nigeria can build partnerships with the U.S. to counter the terrorist threat that is spreading across the country.

“I’m asking Nigeria to do the right thing, partner with the United States, help us to protect the Christians in your country and we will help you,” he concluded.

Riley Moore represents West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and has been active on issues of religious freedom and international human rights.

The lawmaker made these remarks during a media interview in Washington, D.C., while addressing the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria and urging stronger cooperation between the two nations to tackle terrorism.

US Senator Ted Cruz Condemns China Over “Largest Crackdown” On Christians, Demands Release Of Detained Pastor.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cruz said he was “glad to see the U.S. Senate unanimously pass resolution condemning the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin,” calling the incident part of a disturbing pattern of systematic persecution of Christians in China.

The United States Senator, Ted Cruz, has condemned what he described as a “grave violation of religious freedom and human dignity” by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) following the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin, the leader of one of China’s largest underground churches.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cruz said he was “glad to see the U.S. Senate unanimously pass resolution condemning the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin,” calling the incident part of a disturbing pattern of systematic persecution of Christians in China.

“In China, Christians are fighting daily for their religious freedom against the Chinese Communist Party,” Cruz wrote.

Accompanying the post was a video of his Senate floor speech, in which he accused the Chinese government of launching the largest coordinated nationwide crackdown on Christians in more than four decades.

“I rise today to speak about a grave matter and a clear violation of religious freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law,” Cruz declared.

“On October 10, 2025, the Chinese Communist Party launched the largest coordinated nationwide crackdown in more than four decades against a Christian urban home house church in China. In that sweep, 23 pastors and church members of the Zion Church, one of China’s largest underground congregations, were arrested and wrongfully detained.”

The Texas senator said Pastor Ezra Jin and his congregation were not involved in any acts of violence, but were simply worshipping and serving God, when the regime labelled them enemies of the state.

Concerned Nigerians petition Trump over Zamfara killings.

A coalition under the banner of Concerned Nigerians for Human Security has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, calling for international attention and decisive action over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State and other parts of northern Nigeria.

In a petition addressed to the US President, the group described the killings and mass displacement in Zamfara as “a humanitarian tragedy that demands urgent global response”.

According to the coalition, thousands of Nigerians, including men, women, and children, have been killed, abducted, or forced to flee their homes as a result of ongoing attacks by armed groups.

“We write not just as citizens mourning the thousands whose lives have been brutally cut short across parts of northern Nigeria, but as people who recognize your important role as a global leader always ready to confront moral wrongs,” the letter read in part.

The group alleged that while billions of naira are allocated for security across states, the crisis in Zamfara continues to worsen, leading to the deaths of innocent citizens and the destruction of entire communities.

It claimed that the situation reflects what it called “a total breakdown of leadership and accountability in the management of security resources”.

The coalition urged President Trump and the US government to impose visa restrictions on certain political figures, including Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, to “apply international accountability pressure on political actors who trade human lives for political and financial gain”.

“Leadership is a moral duty, not a personal luxury,” the group said, adding that sanctions would “disrupt the comfort derived from foreign refuge and compel responsibility at home”.

Islamic Groups Protest Against Trump’s Threat to Invade Nigeria.

Islamic organisations in Kano State on Saturday staged a protest against the recent stance of United States President Donald Trump regarding Nigeria’s security crisis.

The protesters marched through parts of the city to counter Trump’s assertion that Christians are facing genocide in the country.

They carried placards with inscriptions such as “We condemn Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria,” “There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” and “America wants to control our resources.”

Their demonstration follows Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.

The U.S. President had warned that if the Nigerian government fails to address the killings, the U.S. military could step in.

The Nigerian government has rejected the claims, describing the allegation of Christian genocide as inaccurate and misleading.

Don’t expect Russia or China to save Nigeria if the U.S. invades; they’ll just condemn America in strong terms and do nothing, says Pastor Adeboye.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s service chiefs to act swiftly against the rising wave of killings across the country.

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption Camp, Adeboye said terrorists and their sponsors must be eliminated “no matter how influential they may be,” and called on the President to seek diplomatic support from the United States.

On current action, he said:
“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be.”

Warning against reliance on foreign powers, Adeboye added:
“If America should attack us, China is not coming to defend us. Russia will not come to defend us… Britain is not going to come and help us.”

He stressed the urgency of the situation:
“This is not the time for joking. This is not the time for drama… The point is, people are dying. Innocent people are dying.”

Critiquing a recent presidential statement, he said:
“I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law, the President… where I heard him say, ‘All is well now, displaced people have returned to their villages.’ I almost said, ‘The one who wrote that speech for my President, my in-law, does not like him.’”

Adeboye concluded:
“Do you think I asked you to fast for 100 days for fun? Didn’t I share with you, my children, that God said this would be a remarkable year? Didn’t I share with you that God said the wind that started blowing last year would be more violent this year?”

Russia Monitors Nigeria Situation After Trump’s Military Threat Warning.

Russia has said it is closely watching events in Nigeria following reports that the United States might consider military action there after recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova disclosed this during a press briefing in Moscow, responding to a question from Anadolu Agency. She urged Washington to respect international law and act responsibly in handling global security matters.

“We are carefully observing this issue and call on all parties involved to comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova stated.

On November 1, Trump announced that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare possible military measures against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming it was to protect Christian communities.

When asked about Kazakhstan’s recent decision to join the Abraham Accords, Zakharova said Moscow had no immediate comment on the development. Kazakhstan confirmed its participation after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone conversation attended by Trump.

Zakharova also voiced concern over continued Israeli violations of ceasefire agreements along the Lebanese border, stressing the need to avoid any escalation that could reignite conflict.

She reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to sustain peace and stability in Lebanon, the Middle East, and other regions.

"Despite receiving billions of Dollars in military assistance, Nigeria has failed to curb killings or safeguard Christians" — U.S. lawmaker alleges

United States lawmaker Riley Moore, who chairs President Donald Trump’s investigative committee on alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria has criticized the Nigerian government for failing to justify the significant military assistance it has received from Washington

In an interview on the Dinesh D’Souza programme, Moore said Christians in Nigeria were facing what he described as an ongoing “genocide,” alleging that the violence has continued “under the radar” with minimal global attention. He expressed concern that despite years of US-funded training, equipment & security support running into billions of dollars, the Nigerian government has not prioritized the protection of Christian communities

“My brothers & sisters in Christ are being murdered for practicing their faith,” he said, accusing both Nigerian authorities & the international community of neglect.

Moore warned that if the situation deteriorates further, the United States may be forced to respond. “If we don’t address this and terrorists take hold in Nigeria, we would have to act one way or another,” he said, stressing that he preferred a cooperative approach with the Nigerian government.

He added that the “pieces are already in place” for Nigeria to tackle the violence but insisted that stronger political will was needed. Moore also praised President Trump for his “decisive leadership,” saying he would soon submit a full report to him.

Trump recently redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” claiming that Christians are being killed on a large scale and warning that the US could cut aid or consider military measures if the attacks continue. He directed Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to immediately review the situation and report back.

The Nigerian government has rejected the allegations, insisting there is no targeted genocide against Christians and noting that insecurity affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines.

President Tinubu assures U.S. of Nigeria’s victory over terrorism.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defeating terrorism in Nigeria, assuring the United States of continued cooperation despite ongoing political and security challenges.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized that his administration is fully engaging with international partners to strengthen national security and economic stability. His remarks followed concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump over Nigeria’s security situation.

The President made the statement shortly after swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh from Enugu State and Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State. Dr. Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Enugu State Attorney General, replaced Uche Nnaji, who resigned amid a certificate scandal. Doro took over from Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, now the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

U.S. Bill Seeks Visa Bans, Asset Freezes for Miyetti Allah Over Religious Freedom Violations.

A new bill before the United States Congress has proposed targeted sanctions on Nigerian individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom, naming the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore among entities of concern.

The legislation, introduced on Tuesday by House Representative Smith Christopher, recommends visa restrictions and asset freezes for members of the listed groups. Christopher also praised President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under US law.

In the bill, “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states were also placed on the Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) list reserved for non-state actors implicated in serious religious freedom abuses. Previously designated EPCs include Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Sahel, the Taliban, and the Houthis.

The development came the same day US Senator Ted Cruz renewed pressure on Abuja, vowing to hold Nigerian officials accountable over what he described as evidence of a Christian gen+cide. Cruz, who in October proposed the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, said he would soon name officials he believes enabled religious persecution.

His earlier bill sought sanctions against federal or state officials accused of promoting or enforcing blasphemy laws.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected such allegations, insisting that insecurity across the country is driven by criminal activity rather than religious motivations.