United States lawmakers question Nigeria’s will, capacity to curb violence
United States legislators have issued grave concerns over Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, warning that ineffective leadership in Abuja is leaving Christian communities and other vulnerable groups exposed to extremist attacks.
At a tense congressional hearing on Nigeria’s potential redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), lawmakers demanded stronger accountability from the Nigerian government and an enhanced American strategy to help prevent mass atrocities.
‘Tinubu Administration Is Not Doing Enough’ — Huizenga
Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga delivered one of the most forceful critiques, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of “standing by” while attacks on Christians and moderate Muslims persist.
Huizenga expressed outrage over what he described as the Nigerian delegation’s attempts to minimise the crisis during meetings in Washington.
“It ought to be outrageous that Christians, moderate Muslims, and anyone being terrorised by radicalised Islamists in Nigeria are suffering while the Tinubu government sits back and does not do enough,” he said.
He cited the Christmas Eve 2023 massacre that claimed about 200 lives as evidence that insecurity remains dire, questioning why reports of religiously targeted killings are sometimes downplayed by media outlets and politicians.
“Do we see Christians killing Muslims the way radicalised Islamists kill Christians in Muslim areas?” he asked.
‘Lack of Capacity Is Not an Excuse’ — Olszewski
Another lawmaker, Representative Andy Olszewski, pressed U.S. officials to reassess support for Nigeria. He argued that regardless of capacity or resource constraints, the Nigerian state remains responsible for the safety of its citizens.
According to him, violence perpetrated by extremist groups “that kill indiscriminately” continues because of poor governance, neglect and corruption.
He challenged the U.S. government on whether its current approach focused on sanctions or military threats has been effective, suggesting that long-term training and institutional support would better serve Nigeria.
Responding to questions, Ambassador Jonathan Pratt acknowledged that Nigeria faces a “very serious security problem,” but emphasised that the core issue is less about tools and more about political focus.
Lawmaker Flags Disruption of Youth Peacebuilding Programme
Olszewski also raised alarms over the suspension of Nigerian Youth Care a State Department backed programme that brought Christian and Muslim youth leaders together for peacebuilding. Citing the 2025 USCIRF report, he noted the initiative stalled for months due to administrative problems and expired without an extension.
He asked Ambassador Pratt and State Department official Jacob McGee whether they would support reinstating the project.
Congresswoman Slams Trump’s Alleged Threat of Military Strike
In a contrasting perspective, Democratic Representative Sara Jacobs criticised former President Donald Trump over reports that he threatened to launch military action against Nigeria if killings of Christians continued.
Jacobs dismissed the move as “reckless” and warned against framing Nigeria’s complex security crisis as purely religious.
“Any unilateral military action in Nigeria is illegal. Congress has not authorised force in Nigeria to protect Christians,” she said, stressing that both Christians and Muslims are victims of violence.
She urged Washington and Abuja to adopt a more nuanced, long-term approach focused on protecting all citizens.
