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Genocide accusations: US Congress panels hold new session on Nigeria today
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Witnesses appearing before the United States Congress Foreign Affairs Committee have cautioned that Nigeria is at risk of descending into widespread Christian–Muslim violence, identifying the country as a major flashpoint in an escalating global crisis of religious freedom.
The warning is contained in written testimonies released ahead of the joint hearing of the committee, which is holding on Wednesday (today), with witnesses citing recurring killings, displacement and insecurity as indicators of an emerging broader religious conflict in Nigeria.
The hearing will be jointly convened by the House Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere to assess what US lawmakers describe as mounting threats to religious freedom worldwide. It is titled, ‘Defending Religious Freedom Around the World.’
Written testimonies by key witnesses were released on the committee’s website ahead of the session and are expected to be delivered when the hearing convenes.
Among those scheduled to testify are the former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback; Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom at the US State Department, Mark Walker; Grace Drexel, daughter of detained Chinese pastor Ezra Jin; and Dr Stephen Schneck, former chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.
In his prepared testimony, Brownback said, “Radical, militant Islam continues its purification efforts throughout the MENA region and beyond.
“Syria and Nigeria are key focus areas of opportunity for them in their quest for dominance, excluding all other faiths, even others within Islam.
“The people of faith being targeted by this persecution are America’s greatest allies in the spread of freedom around the world. We should see and treat them as such,” he stated.
The ex-envoy identified religious freedom as a central fault line in global politics, warning that authoritarian and totalitarian regimes increasingly view faith communities as threats to state control.
“Religious freedom is now one of our primary weapons against the dark alliance gathered against us,” Brownback said in his prepared testimony.
Brownback singled out Nigeria as a major global flashpoint, describing the country as “the deadliest place on the planet to be a Christian.”
He warned that patterns of violence across the country suggest a deepening religious crisis with implications beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“Early warning signs of a Muslim-on-Christian war are brewing across Africa,” he wrote, adding that Nigeria sits at the centre of that danger.
The ex-ambassador also raised concerns about foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security landscape, stating that support from countries such as “China, Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia” could worsen instability if not carefully scrutinised.
Brownback cautioned that failure to act decisively could allow the violence to escalate into mass atrocities similar to those seen in Iraq.
In his own prepared testimony, Schneck described freedom of religion or belief as being in a “historic crisis” worldwide, driven by rising authoritarianism, religious nationalism and state failure.
“Freedom of religion or belief is in crisis in the contemporary world. Whether measured structurally in culture, institutions and laws, or in the sheer number of incidents, persecution is increasing across the globe,” Schneck wrote in his private capacity and not on behalf of the commission.
The ex-USIRF chair identified Nigeria, Syria and Sudan as countries where weak governance and widespread insecurity have created dangerous conditions for religious communities.
“Nigeria, Syria, and Sudan are current examples of such conditions threatening freedom of religion or belief.
“Both Nigeria and Syria are experiencing high levels of societal insecurity and
Their respective governments have been unable to halt widespread violence against communities of faith.
“Both have what were previously designated as Entities of Particular Concern operating within their borders,” he wrote.
According to the ex-USIRF chairman, such environments allow armed groups, insurgents and criminal networks to exploit religious identity, leading to killings, displacement and long-term instability.
He also criticised the US government’s performance under the International Religious Freedom Act, the 1998 law guiding US policy in this area, arguing that Washington has failed to match its rhetoric with sustained action.
“If we are to take the International Religious Freedom Act as our measure, then the United States is not doing enough.
“We have been long on rhetoric and short on substance, consistency and effectiveness,” the ex-USIRF chairman said.
Schneck expressed particular concern about delays in the release of the US State Department’s International Religious Freedom reports and the absence of updated designations of Countries of Particular Concern.
“The State Department has still not made its designations of Countries of Particular Concern, Special Watch List, or Entities of Particular Concern. President Biden’s 2023 designations were to have lapsed at the end of 2025.
“Apparently, Nigeria, thanks to its unique designation by President Trump, is the only country in the world currently designated as a Country of Particular Concern and there are no designated Special Watch List countries or Entities of Particular Concern. This is very concerning at a time when countries like China and Iran are engaged in ever more repressive actions against people of faith,” he noted.
He further warned against narrowing religious freedom advocacy to the persecution of Christians alone, stressing that international law protects all faiths and beliefs.
“International religious freedom, as defined in human rights law, is universal,” Schneck stated. “Selective advocacy undermines both effectiveness and legitimacy.”
The ex-USIRF chairman added, “The administration has relied on high-profile events (such as a one-off Tomahawk strike on Nigeria) and social media declarations rather than sustained, country-specific strategies.
“Religious freedom violations are deeply embedded in legal systems, security practices, and social norms; addressing them requires long-term engagement, multilateral coordination, and careful diplomacy. Early efforts seem to have prioritised visibility over durability.”
Last year, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, a move accompanied by threats of possible US military intervention.
The US government subsequently attacked terrorist hideouts in Sokoto on Christams day.
However, the Federal Government dismissed claims of systemic Christian persecution, maintaining that insecurity affects citizens of all religious backgrounds.
On November 20, 2025, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu at the Pentagon for discussions on coordinated strategies to address the crisis.
In December, Ribadu announced that he had hosted a US congressional delegation in Abuja as part of ongoing security consultations between the two countries.
According to the NSA, discussions during the meeting focused on “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability,” and ways to “strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.”
Last month, there was a plenary session of the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group on Nigeria’s designation as a CPC.
…Abbas pledge collaboration with opposition leaders to advance 10th Assembly’s legislative agenda
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has formally announced the completion of the minority leadership structure in the 10th House following the nomination and endorsement of three lawmakers to fill vacant principal officer positions.
Speaking during plenary, Abbas informed members that the minority caucus had unanimously agreed on the appointments through a consensus arrangement.
According to the Speaker, the nomination was conveyed to the House in line with the decision of minority members of the 10th Assembly.
He said: “The election of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the minority members of the 10th Assembly hereby unanimously nominate the following members by consensus to fill the vacant positions of the minority in the parliament.”
Announcing the appointments, Abbas stated: “Number one, Minority Leader, Rt. Honourable Frederick Abedi PhD. Number two is the position of Minority Whip, and the person they have endorsed is no other than Honourable Monsur Soro.
He added: “The last but not the least is my brother from the northwest, in person of Rt. Honourable Abdusamadu Dasuki, the position of Deputy Minority Leader.”
Following the announcement, the Speaker congratulated the newly appointed principal officers and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the work of the House.
He also assured the new opposition leaders of the support of the House leadership as they assume their responsibilities.
“So honourable colleagues, today the body of principal officers is complete, and I want to seize this opportunity on behalf of the whole entire house to congratulate the three people and to wish them all the best in their new positions.
“And let them be assured that the leadership of the house will work with them assiduously in ensuring that we achieve our legislative agenda objectives of this very important 10th Assembly,” Abbas said.
The Speaker wished members well and prayed for continued success in the work of the legislature.
“May God bless you all”, he concluded.
Finally the first set of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos following renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Air Peace flight carrying the returnees arrived at the airport around 10:25 am on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, among others, was on hand to welcome the 258 evacuees who were escorted by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Temitope Ajayi.
Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria will not stand idly by while its citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment wherever they may be in the world; hence, the swift and necessary action to bring them home.
In a statement following their arrival, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, quoted Enikanolaiye as commending the excellent coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria.
He urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission. The minister said that the Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these incidents.
The minister conveyed the heartfelt greetings and assurances of President Bola Tinubu to the returning nationals.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” the statement read in part. “More flights carrying returnees are expected to arrive in the country in the coming days as the evacuation exercise continues.”
The returning nationals are undergoing the process of documentation, profiling, and necessary medical checks and will be provided with temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families, the ministry said.
Anti-foreigner violence has convulsed South Africa for weeks as gangs armed with sticks, whips, and shields have marched through parts of the “rainbow nation”, demanding that people with no residency papers leave by June 30.
Foreign nationals have reported being intimidated and beaten by mobs going door to door, families have been forced from their homes, and many have left in the face of the threats.
Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have already repatriated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks.
South Africa is Africa’s largest economy and hosts more than three million foreigners, just over five per cent of its population, according to the country’s statistics agency.
…Enikanolaiye says rescue mission reflects Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad
By Gloria Ikibah
The first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in the country, with the Federal Government describing the operation as a clear demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians wherever they reside.
The returnees landed at the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning aboard a special Air Peace flight arranged and fully funded by the Federal Government.
The evacuees, who were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria led by Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, were received on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity and reassurance, stressing that the safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority for the administration.
He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment, wherever they may be in the world, hence the swift and necessary action to bring our people home.”
The minister noted that the evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and several government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
According to the ministry, the operation underscores the government’s determination to protect Nigerians from violence, discrimination and intimidation abroad.
The statement stressed that the evacuation should not be interpreted as a retreat but rather as a proactive intervention aimed at safeguarding citizens caught in a difficult situation.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” he added.
Enikanolaiye also commended the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria for its role in ensuring the successful evacuation of the affected citizens.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria remains in active diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the situation and ensure the safety of Nigerians still residing in the country.
“I commend the excellent coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria and urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission.
“The Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these unfortunate incidents”, he stated.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening, after which they will receive temporary accommodation and other forms of assistance before being reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as efforts continue to bring home Nigerians affected by the attacks.
The ministry also appealed for calm while diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis are intensified.
The latest evacuation follows renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have periodically faced attacks, harassment and threats in recent years.
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