U.S Urges Stronger Protection for Christians as Nigeria–U.S Security Partnership Deepens
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening security cooperation with Nigeria while urging stronger, sustained action to protect Christian communities and curb terrorism, following what it described as “tremendous strides” made by both countries in recent months.
Speaking at a high-level engagement on Thursday, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said the partnership between Washington and Abuja has gained renewed momentum since October 31, 2025, when President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
According to Hooker, that designation has catalysed closer collaboration aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and addressing insecurity.
“I am here today to continue and broaden that partnership,” Hooker said, noting that U.S.–Nigeria relations are anchored on shared interests spanning trade and investment, security, energy, and regional stability.
She explained that discussions with Nigerian officials are focused on deterring violence against Christian communities, prioritising counter-terrorism efforts, investigating attacks, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
Particular attention, she said, is being paid to reducing killings, forced displacement, and abductions of Christians, especially in Nigeria’s North Central states.
Hooker commended Nigeria’s cooperation in degrading terrorist capabilities, revealing that the December 25 airstrikes targeting terrorist elements were closely coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
She added that the United States would continue to work with Nigeria to defeat what she described as “heinous groups” responsible for violence against civilians.
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Highlighting early successes, the U.S. official disclosed that following President Trump’s engagement, the Nigerian government ordered the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police officers to protect vulnerable communities.
She also cited the arraignment of nine suspects linked to a June massacre in Benue State and the arrest of 39 individuals allegedly fleeing Sokoto State after the December 25 strikes.
On the protection of Christians, Hooker praised Nigerian authorities for securing the release of 38 worshippers abducted from a church in Kwara State and another 265 victims taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School.
She described these developments as “real progress” resulting directly from U.S.–Nigeria engagement.
However, she expressed concern over fresh reports of insecurity, particularly the abduction of more than 170 Christians in Kaduna State on January 18.
“The government of Nigeria must do more to protect Christians and their right to practice their faith freely and safely,” she said.
Hooker also called on local government leaders to work closely with non-governmental organisations to address the needs of victims and their families, while stressing that advancing religious freedom would further strengthen the broader bilateral relationship.
She said enhanced security and respect for religious freedom would help both countries unlock greater economic and trade benefits, weaken terrorist networks, and improve cooperation in health and other critical sectors.
Looking ahead, the U.S. official said discussions would explore pathways for the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities in the North Central region, measures to interdict weapons and funding for terrorist groups, and expanded investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for atrocities.
“I look forward to our working group sessions and to seeing Nigeria take active, sustained steps to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief for all and to turn the tide on insecurity and terrorism,” Hooker said.