The United States has called on the Nigerian government to take more decisive steps to safeguard Christian communities following the abduction of over 170 worshippers in Kaduna State.
The appeal comes amid renewed concerns over attacks targeting religious groups, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.
The abduction, which reportedly occurred during a church gathering, was initially denied by the Kaduna State Government and the police before authorities later confirmed the incident.
Reports indicate that the abductors are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, estimated at ₦28.9 million, allegedly seized during recent military operations, as a condition for releasing the victims.
Speaking at a high-level U.S.–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said recent incidents showed the need for stronger action to protect Christians and uphold freedom of worship.
“We are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritise counterterrorism and insecurity, investigate attacks and hold perpetrators accountable,” Hooker said.
She added, “While there has been progress in recent months, we are deeply concerned by reports that more than 170 Christians were kidnapped in Kaduna State on January 18. The Government of Nigeria must do more to ensure Christians can practise their faith freely and safely.”
Hooker acknowledged recent successes, including the release of Christians abducted in Kwara State and from St. Mary’s Catholic School, describing them as evidence that sustained engagement can yield results.
“This real progress is a direct outcome of our cooperation with the Nigerian government,” she noted. “However, recent attacks show that much more still needs to be done.”
She also said that improving religious freedom and security would strengthen broader U.S.–Nigeria relations, including in trade, health cooperation and counterterrorism, while supporting the return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
Responding, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledged the severity of the security challenges and assured that the government was intensifying efforts to address them.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said. “Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
He explained that the government’s response combines military operations, law enforcement, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication to restore public confidence and social cohesion.
“At the national level, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised expanded security deployments, enhanced intelligence coordination and intensified investigations into attacks on religious communities,” Ribadu said.
He added that authorities were developing early-warning and rapid-response systems, as well as a national database on casualties from violence, to improve accountability and evidence-based security decisions.
“Violence will be met not only with force, but with justice and accountability,” Ribadu said, assuring that those responsible for attacks on religious communities would be tracked and prosecuted.
