The United States has called on the Nigerian government to take more decisive steps to protect Christian communities, following the abduction of over 170 worshippers in Kaduna State. The incident has renewed concerns about religiously motivated violence and insecurity in parts of the country.
Initial reports from the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force on Monday denied the abduction, but authorities later confirmed on Wednesday that the worshippers had indeed been kidnapped. Sources indicate that the abductors are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at approximately ₦28.9 million, which they claim were seized during recent military operations, as a condition for releasing the victims.
At a high-level U.S.–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja on Thursday, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker emphasized the need for stronger protection of Christians and their right to practice their faith safely.
“Today, we are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities; prioritize counterterrorism efforts; investigate attacks and hold perpetrators accountable; and reduce the number of killings, forced displacements, and abductions of Christians, particularly in the North-Central states,” Hooker said.
She acknowledged recent progress by the Nigerian government, highlighting the release of Christians abducted in previous incidents. “The Nigerian government recently secured the release of 38 Christians from a church in Kwara State and another 265 from St. Mary’s Catholic School. This progress is a direct result of our engagement with Nigeria,” she noted.
However, Hooker expressed concern over the Kaduna abduction. “We are alarmed by reports that gunmen kidnapped more than 170 Christians on January 18. The Nigerian government must do more to safeguard Christians and ensure they can practice their faith freely and safely.”
Hooker also stressed that improving religious freedom and security would bolster broader U.S.–Nigeria relations, including trade, economic cooperation, public health, and counterterrorism. She highlighted the importance of supporting the return of internally displaced persons and disrupting the flow of weapons and funding to violent groups.
In response, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledged the severity of the security challenges and reassured that the government is intensifying military and law enforcement efforts in affected areas. Ribadu described attacks framed along religious lines as unacceptable, stating they are treated as a direct threat to the Nigerian state.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs is non-negotiable. Violence framed along religious lines is an attack on the Nigerian state itself,” he said.
Ribadu detailed that the government’s approach combines security operations, rule of law, and humanitarian measures. “Our response integrates security operations, the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication, ensuring operational successes translate into public confidence and strengthened social cohesion,” he explained.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized expanded security deployments, improved intelligence coordination, and stronger investigations into attacks on religious communities. “At the national level, Nigeria has taken deliberate and decisive steps to confront insecurity. National security emergencies have been declared in high-risk areas, joint operations intensified, and security forces deployed to priority locations,” Ribadu said.
Additionally, the government is developing a national database to track deaths and casualties arising from violence, aimed at improving accountability and enhancing security responses. “This effort will strengthen evidence-based decision-making and ensure that violence is met not only with force but with justice and accountability,” he concluded.
