The United States has urged Nigeria to increase its efforts in safeguarding Christian communities after more than 170 worshippers were abducted in Kaduna State, an incident that has raised new alarms regarding violence driven by religious motives in the region.
The kidnapping took place on January 18. Initially, the Kaduna State Government and Nigerian Police dismissed claims of the incident; however, authorities eventually verified the occurrence. Reports indicate that the kidnappers are seeking the return of 17 motorcycles worth ₦28.9 million, which they allege were seized during recent military actions, as a prerequisite for freeing the captives.
This appeal was voiced at a significant meeting of the United States–Nigeria Working Group convened in Abuja. Allison Hooker, the U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, emphasized Nigeria's necessity to bolster protections for Christians and uphold their right to practice their faith without fear.
“Continual assaults on religious groups jeopardize security advancements and erode public trust,” Hooker remarked. “Our discussions are aimed at collaborating to impede violence against Christian communities, prioritize counter-terrorism, thoroughly investigate assaults, hold offenders accountable, and curtail killings, forced displacements, and kidnappings, especially in the North Central region.”
She highlighted recent successful rescues of abducted Christians, including 38 worshippers from a church in Kwara State and 265 students from St. Mary's Catholic School, attributing these outcomes to the ongoing engagement of the U.S. with Nigerian authorities. Nonetheless, she conveyed her distress regarding the abduction in Kaduna, calling for firmer actions to protect religious freedoms.
Hooker added that bolstering religious freedom and security will fortify the relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria, fostering enhancements in trade, economic collaboration, health initiatives, and counter-terrorism strategies, while aiding the reintegration of internally displaced individuals into their communities.
In response, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recognized the gravity of the security challenge and promised a ramp-up of military and law enforcement activities in affected regions. He condemned violence motivated by religion, stating that it will be regarded as an assail on the Nigerian state.
“Nigeria is a diverse nation, and safeguarding all citizens, whether Christians, Muslims, or those belonging to other faiths, is crucial,” Ribadu asserted. “Our approach amalgamates security measures, legal frameworks, humanitarian protections, and strategic communication to ensure successful operational outcomes foster public trust and enhance social unity.”
Ribadu revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sanctioned increased security deployments, coordinated intelligence operations, and comprehensive inquiries into attacks on religious groups, assuring that those culpable will be pursued and prosecuted.
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