US Lawmakers Investigate Alleged Religious Persecution in Nigeria, Back Trump’s Actions

U.S. House of Representatives Investigates Religious Persecution in Nigeria

The United States House of Representatives has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of religious persecution targeting Nigerians, particularly Christians. This inquiry is being led by the Appropriations Committee, which aims to collaborate closely with the former Trump administration to address global religious persecution.

Mario Díaz-Balart, the Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the National Security Subcommittee, along with Reps. Robert Aderholt and Riley Moore, organized a joint briefing with the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The session focused on the escalating violence and alleged targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria, involving experts in religious freedom and foreign relations.

This move followed President Trump’s directive on October 31, 2025, for the House Appropriations Committee to investigate genocide against Christians in Nigeria and report back with their findings. Díaz-Balart emphasized that no one should live in fear due to their faith, highlighting the moral duty and American interest in defending religious liberty globally.

“As Chairman of the subcommittee that funds U.S. national security interests and foreign policy priorities, I remain committed to advancing policies that protect the freedom to live according to one’s faith without fear of violence and retribution. I address this issue in my FY26 funding bill, and I intend to strengthen these efforts by passing a full-year funding measure, which is essential to advancing an America First Agenda,” he stated.

Aderholt described the rising violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria as a crisis that cannot be ignored. He stressed the importance of standing firmly with Nigerian Christian communities and other persecuted believers worldwide. Moore echoed similar sentiments, noting that Americans are being persecuted and slaughtered in Nigeria simply for professing their faith.

“The world will no longer turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” Moore added.

Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that the Nigerian situation was not merely ‘inter-communal violence’ or a ‘resource conflict,’ but a targeted campaign of religious cleansing. He called for the Nigerian government to disarm militias, return displaced families to their homes, and bring perpetrators to justice.

Adam Smith, another Congressman, highlighted the brutal anti-Christian persecution in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to hold the Nigerian government accountable. He noted that the Nigerian government has a constitutional obligation to protect its citizens, yet perpetrators operate with complete impunity.

Expert witnesses provided critical insights into the ongoing conflict in Nigeria, discussing ways Congress can support the Trump administration’s efforts to aid vulnerable religious groups. Vicky Hartzler, Chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, illustrated the real threat to religious freedom and the lives of innocent people in Nigeria.

Hartzler emphasized the importance of President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), urging the U.S. government to work directly with the Nigerian government to improve accountability and transparency. He also suggested leveraging U.S. security assistance such as police training and reform, and investing in early warning systems to reduce community violence.

Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at the Alliance Defending Freedom International, spoke about firsthand accounts from Christians in Nigeria facing violence and terror, with no help from the government. He detailed cases of unjust imprisonment, kidnapping, and forced conversions, highlighting the Nigerian government’s failure to protect Christian communities.

Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, noted that the root cause of the violence is unchecked jihadist terror groups, chief among them Boko Haram. He outlined an effective strategy to combat these groups, including pressuring the Nigerian government with incentives.

Appropriators are preparing a comprehensive report to present to President Trump on ways Congress can support the White House’s efforts. The investigation underscores the U.S. commitment to addressing religious persecution globally and supporting vulnerable communities in Nigeria.