The United States has pledged to work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action against those accused of orchestrating attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Vicky Hartzler, said the US government would collaborate with Nigeria to arrest perpetrators of religious violence, protect Christians, and rescue victims held hostage.
Hartzler made this known in a statement on Monday, November 3, 2025, following former President Donald Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” This designation is reserved for nations that violate religious freedom.
According to The Punch, Hartzler’s recommendation influenced Trump’s decision to blacklist Nigeria as a country notorious for religious persecution.
Quoting her words, Hartzler said,
“USCIRF applauds President Trump for addressing the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria. The US government can now work with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, people of faith are protected, and hostages are rescued.”
USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring the Trump administration implements executive actions against Nigeria, which he described as a serial violator of religious freedom since 2009.
Mahmood added that the commission would continue monitoring developments and support measures that promote justice and protect religious minorities.