U.S. Officials Tell Congress Nigeria Violence Against Christians Continues

Violence in Nigeria remains a serious concern for Christian communities, with advocates reporting continued killings, displacement and attacks on churches, particularly in the Middle Belt. U.S. officials told Congress that violence has not stopped, though they say Nigeria has taken a more serious approach since its designation as a Country of Particular Concern and that U.S.-Nigeria cooperation is focused on protecting vulnerable communities and holding perpetrators accountable. Nigerian officials have rejected claims that the crisis is specifically persecution of Christians, describing the country’s security challenges as terrorism and other violence; one U.S. official also stressed that Muslims are among those affected. The insecurity is also a major issue ahead of Nigeria’s January 2027 elections, which have already been marred by reports of campaign-related violence.