The violence against Christians in Nigeria is not just a local tragedy—it’s a global crisis with serious consequences for American national security and moral leadership. Over 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria this year alone. Churches have been burned, worshippers gunned down during services, and entire families slaughtered in their homes. These are not random attacks. They are part of a growing campaign of terror led by radical Islamist groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants.
This violence is happening in Africa’s most populous country and its largest economy. Nigeria is a key partner in regional stability and a major oil producer. When Nigeria falls into chaos, the entire region suffers. That instability creates space for terrorists to grow stronger and spread their influence. And when radical Islamic terror grows abroad, it eventually threatens us here at home.
President Trump has long understood that religious freedom is a core American value—one worth defending both at home and abroad. That’s why his administration has taken strong action to protect religious liberty everywhere. Now, Congress is stepping up to do the same.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025. This bill would force the U.S. State Department to label Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act. That’s a formal designation used to punish governments that allow or commit severe violations of religious freedom. Once that label is applied, the U.S. can respond with real consequences—like canceling high-level meetings, reducing foreign aid, or placing sanctions on Nigerian officials.
For years, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended this designation for Nigeria. The facts are clear. Over 69% of all religion-based killings in the world happen in Nigeria. In the past decade, more than 145 Catholic priests have been kidnapped, and at least 11 have been murdered. Some of these attacks are so brutal they defy belief. In one village, Fulani militants rode motorcycles into a church and opened fire during a Sunday service, killing five and kidnapping others. In another region, a mother and her teenage son were hacked to death in their home.
Yet, under the previous administration, the State Department refused to take action. Instead, it blamed the violence on “climate change,” as if weather patterns—not radical jihad—is what’s driving churches to be burned and Christians to be slaughtered. That excuse is not only wrong; it’s offensive to the victims and dangerous for U.S. credibility.
Thankfully, leaders like Senator Cruz and Congressman Chris Smith are pushing back. They understand that America cannot be silent when people are being killed for their faith. They know that defending religious liberty abroad strengthens our values and our security.
This isn’t just about Nigeria. It’s about what kind of nation we are. America was built on the belief that our rights come from God, not government. If we truly believe that, we must stand with those whose most basic rights are under attack. If we don’t, we send a message to the world that religious freedom is negotiable.
The Trump administration now has the chance—and the duty—to act where others have failed. Using the tools of the International Religious Freedom Act, the State Department should immediately apply pressure on Nigeria’s government. That includes public condemnation, diplomatic consequences, and targeted sanctions against officials who allow or encourage this violence.
This is not about interfering in another country’s affairs. It’s about standing up for universal human rights and protecting American interests. A stable, free Nigeria is better for America. A Nigeria overrun by terrorists and extremists is a threat we cannot afford to ignore.
The time for hesitation is over. The world is watching. And so are the victims. America must lead.