US, Nigerian Lawmakers Address Rising Violence and Security Threats

Lawmakers in the United States and Nigeria have separately convened this week to discuss the worsening security situation in Nigeria, focusing on kidnappings, attacks on religious communities, and national safety concerns.

In Washington, members of the House Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees held a joint briefing on Tuesday following instructions from US President Donald Trump. The session, chaired by Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart, brought together lawmakers and religious freedom experts to examine the reported targeting of Christians in Nigeria.

Speakers at the briefing highlighted the role of extremist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, in driving violence, noting that Sharia laws and enforcement by Hisbah commissions have contributed to impunity and persecution. Dr. Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations called for the US to pressure Nigerian authorities to abolish Sharia law in the twelve northern states where it is enforced and to disband Hisbah groups.

Lawmakers described the situation as a severe threat to religious freedom, with repeated incidents of abduction, forced conversions, and attacks on communities. The briefing emphasized continued US engagement, including potential conditions on security aid, as essential to addressing the crisis.

Back in Nigeria, the House of Representatives is scheduled to debate the state of national security on Wednesday. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu confirmed the session, while members Mansur Soro and Marcus Onobun stressed the need for a state policing system to respond to localized crime effectively. Reports on proposed constitutional amendments, including power devolution and state policing, are expected to be presented for legislative approval this month.

President Bola Tinubu also convened a meeting with top security officials at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, following the declaration of a national security emergency and the appointment of Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence. Measures under consideration include recruiting additional police officers and strengthening protection for schools and places of worship in vulnerable areas.

The discussions on both sides of the Atlantic highlight the urgent attention on Nigeria’s security challenges amid escalating attacks and concerns for the safety of religious communities