House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs present report to White House on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria
US House Report on Nigeria Christian Persecution Submitted to White House: Recommends Sanctions, Fund Withholding, Bilateral Security Deal
A joint report from the US House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs has been formally delivered to the White House, detailing findings on the alleged ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria and proposing aggressive measures to combat it.
The submission, presented on Monday, February 23, 2026, follows President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in October 2025 over religious freedom violations. Trump directed Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) to spearhead a wide-ranging investigation into attacks on Christian communities by terrorists and broader security threats.
Congressman Moore confirmed the delivery in posts on his X account (@RepRileyMoore), sharing: “Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore joined members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs at the White House to formally present the comprehensive report outlining concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region.”
“This report is the result of months of investigation, including a bipartisan congressional fact-finding trip to Nigeria, hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with Internally Displaced Persons, and engagement with senior Nigerian government officials,” he added.
As part of the probe, Moore led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Nigeria, where they visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State, spoke with terrorism victims, and held talks with top officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The report concludes that Christians face violent attacks from well-armed Fulani militias and jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, church destructions, and mass displacement—labeling Nigeria as one of the deadliest places for Christians.
Key recommendations include:
- Establishing a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement to safeguard vulnerable Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks.
- Withholding specific US aid until Nigeria shows tangible progress in halting anti-Christian violence.
- Imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals or groups involved in or enabling religious persecution.
- Offering technical assistance to combat armed Fulani militias.
- Calling for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws in affected regions.
- Collaborating with allies like France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.
Moore emphasized urgency: “Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching, and I urge the Nigerian government to take the opportunity to deepen and strengthen its relationship with the United States.
“Doing so is in the interest of both our great nations. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians,” he added.
The report builds on prior congressional actions, including hearings, roundtables, and on-the-ground visits, and aligns with Trump’s America First approach to religious freedom and countering extremism. It presents a potential pathway for enhanced US-Nigeria cooperation—or tougher accountability—if reforms stall.
See Full Report Below
