The United States is weighing a series of diplomatic and security-related actions—including potential sanctions and deeper Pentagon counterterrorism engagement—as part of a broader strategy aimed at urging the Nigerian government to strengthen protections for Christian communities and uphold religious freedom. The update was provided on Thursday by Jonathan Pratt, a senior U.S. State Department official, during a briefing to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Nigeria has recently drawn heightened attention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier in November warned of possible military intervention over what he described as inadequate protection for Christians. Nigerian authorities, however, maintain that claims of systematic persecution oversimplify a highly complex security environment shaped by terrorism, communal clashes, and competition over resources. They insist that the government is committed to safeguarding the rights of all religious groups.
Pratt explained that the Trump administration is crafting a comprehensive response designed to “incentivize and compel” Nigeria to improve religious protections. The evolving plan, he noted, includes evaluating potential actions by the U.S. State Department and Treasury—such as targeted sanctions—as well as possible Pentagon involvement in counterterrorism cooperation and support.
According to Pratt, Washington is particularly focused on how Nigeria deploys the security assistance it already receives, and whether intelligence-sharing and military assets are being used effectively to protect vulnerable communities.
In October, Trump returned Nigeria to the U.S. list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom. He also announced that he had instructed the U.S. Defense Department to prepare for “fast” potential military action should Nigeria fail to curb attacks against Christians, and he declared an immediate halt to all forms of U.S. assistance to the country.
Nigeria—home to more than 200 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs—has a long history of interfaith coexistence. Still, tensions have periodically escalated due to ethnic rivalries, land disputes, and resource scarcity. The extremist group Boko Haram continues to destabilize the northeast, causing widespread devastation since its insurgency began 15 years ago. Analysts often stress that Muslims have also suffered heavily in these attacks, underscoring the broader national impact of terrorism.
In response to U.S. concerns, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-level security delegation to Washington. The team includes the national security adviser, the defense chief, the head of defense intelligence, and Nigeria’s police chief. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine were scheduled to meet the Nigerian delegation, with additional talks planned with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Pratt added that he does not believe extremist elements have infiltrated Nigeria’s government, countering concerns raised by some lawmakers. Meanwhile, Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, said the “Country of Particular Concern” designation has already prompted serious attention within Nigeria—but emphasized that Washington expects more concrete progress.
“We are expanding engagement on the ground through our embassy teams and upcoming visits,” McGee said. “Our message is clear: Nigeria must take stronger action to ensure the safety and freedom of all its people.”
