The US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa convened a public hearing on Wednesday to dissect Nigeria’s spiralling insecurity and the Trump administration’s redesignation of the West African nation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for severe religious freedom violations, with experts and lawmakers calling for targeted sanctions and conditional aid to compel reforms.
Chaired by New Jersey Republican Congressman Chris Smith, the session spotlighted attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandit groups and militant herders that have claimed over 52,000 Christian and 34,000 moderate Muslim lives since 2009, according to Open Doors data, while exploring US leverage under the International Religious Freedom Act.
Smith hailed President Donald Trump’s CPC move — reversing a Biden-era decision — as “bold leadership,” but stressed enforcement: “We must condition US foreign assistance on Nigeria’s progress in preventing persecution, prosecuting perpetrators, and protecting communities.” He advocated humanitarian aid to faith-based groups aiding displaced persons, Magnitsky Act sanctions including visa bans and asset freezes on abusers, and support for “vetted” Nigerian forces.
California Democrat Congresswoman Sara Jacobs cautioned against oversimplification, saying: “The killings in Nigeria aren’t just the persecution of Christians. It is the persecution of multiple groups. We should be careful not to portray it as just prosecution of Christians; that would be simplistic.” She decried Trump’s military threat as “reckless” and unauthorised.
CSIS Africa Programme Director Oge Onubogu, born in Jos, attributed the crisis to governance failures, historical grievances and conspiracy theories, urging: “Engage with all faith communities and support moderate leaders. Tie security assistance to governance reforms.” She proposed reviving a bipartisan US Congressional Caucus on Nigeria and appointing a capable Nigerian ambassador to Washington.
Benue Catholic Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, testifying virtually, warned Christianity faces “extinction” in northern and Middle Belt regions, citing church burnings, priest murders and sexual violence to halt Christian births. “On behalf of millions of Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, we want to thank President Donald Trump for his bold leadership in designating Nigeria as a CPC,” he said, but added: “It is a vital step, but must be backed by serious action.” Anagbe demanded coordinated interventions, including IDP returns with security guarantees.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Jacob McGee affirmed faith-driven motives, noting attackers use religious rhetoric for targeted killings and rapes, while Michigan Democrat Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal echoed Jacobs on nuance.
Michigan Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga accused Tinubu’s government of “sitting back, not doing enough,” as the hearing underscored divisions: Republicans pushing punitive measures, Democrats favouring multilateral engagement. Outcomes remain pending, but calls intensified for Nigeria to prosecute extremists and the US to wield aid as leverage amid over 64 years of unresolved identity fractures.
