U.S. URGES NIGERIA TO TAKE STRONGER ACTION TO PROTECT CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES AFTER KADUNA CHURCH ABDUCTIONS
The United States has called on the Nigerian government to take firmer and more decisive steps to protect Christian communities nationwide following the abduction of more than 170 worshippers during church services in Kaduna State.
The incident, which occurred during a religious gathering, reignited national and international concerns over targeted attacks and insecurity affecting faith-based communities. While the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force initially denied reports of the abduction, security authorities later confirmed that the worshippers were taken by armed assailants.
Security sources disclosed that the abductors are reportedly demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at approximately ₦28.9 million, allegedly seized during recent military operations, as a condition for the release of the victims.
Speaking at a high-level U.S.–Nigeria Working Group meeting held in Abuja, the U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, acknowledged that Nigeria has recorded some progress in addressing insecurity but stressed that recent attacks show the need for stronger and more consistent action.
She noted that the safety of Christian communities and the protection of religious freedom remain critical issues, particularly in the North-Central region.
Hooker said the United States is concerned about the Kaduna abduction and urged Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to deter violence, investigate attacks thoroughly, and hold perpetrators accountable, while reducing killings, forced displacement and abductions linked to religious violence.
She acknowledged recent successes, including the release of abducted Christians in Kwara State and victims taken from a Catholic school, describing them as evidence that sustained engagement can produce results. However, she stressed that more must be done to ensure worshippers can practise their faith freely and safely.
Hooker added that advancing religious freedom and security would strengthen broader U.S.–Nigeria cooperation, including in trade, economic development, health responses and counterterrorism efforts, while also supporting the return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
Responding, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledged the seriousness of the security challenges and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
Ribadu described Nigeria as a plural society where attacks framed along religious lines are considered an assault on the state itself, adding that such violence would be met with decisive action and justice.
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised expanded security deployments, enhanced intelligence coordination and intensified investigations into attacks on religious communities.
According to him, the federal government is also strengthening early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms, while developing a national database to improve the accuracy of data on casualties arising from violent attacks.
Ribadu assured that perpetrators of violence against religious communities would be tracked, prosecuted and held accountable, stressing that Nigeria’s response combines security operations, the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication to restore public confidence and social cohesion.
