Overview
- State Department officials told lawmakers they are drafting a plan to compel stronger protection of Christian communities that could include Treasury sanctions and potential Department of War engagement on counterterrorism.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine met Nigeria’s national security adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with a Pentagon readout urging urgent, sustained action by Abuja to curb attacks on Christians.
- No U.S. kinetic operations have been approved, and logistics for any intervention remain challenging after force drawdowns in West Africa, though officials described options such as intelligence sharing and expanded security cooperation.
- Nigeria’s government rejects claims of Christian persecution as a policy, arguing the violence is complex and affects multiple faiths, a view echoed by analysts who cite Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks, farmer‑herder clashes and criminal banditry.
- International pushback has grown as China publicly opposes U.S. threats and sanctions and the African Union warns against unilateral force, while congressional hearings press for accountability tools, including possible targeted sanctions.