General Overseer of the The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and the Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, widely known as Winners’ Chapel International, Bishop David Oyedepo have appealed for greater United States assistance in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, warning that the country is under severe strain from persistent terrorist attacks and violence.
The Punch reported that the clerics made the call during the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 23. Their remarks were contained in a statement issued by the President of Save Nigeria Group USA, Stephen Osemwegie.
Speaking at the event, Adeboye urged the U.S. government and its allies to increase their support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity, stressing the need for stronger international collaboration.
“If you want to help us, help us more. No matter who is in office in Nigeria, only God can help us. Use your influence to help us,” the cleric emphasised.
“Thank God for Trump. He means business,” he added, commending U.S. President Donald Trump for his approach to fighting terrorism, while noting that he did not share all of the president’s views.
In a keynote speech delivered on his behalf, Oyedepo described Nigeria’s security situation as alarming, saying the nation was “virtually at the brink of collapse” because of continued terrorist attacks and widespread violence.
“My heart bleeds,” he said, while backing proposed U.S. legislation designed to improve accountability for terrorism-related atrocities committed in Nigeria.
Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, also expressed concern about the country’s trajectory, warning that failure to address insecurity could trigger widespread unrest.
“Nigeria is at a fork in the road. Address this insecurity or face violent civil unrest,” he noted.
Human rights advocate Katrina Swett called for stronger American engagement in safeguarding religious freedom and supporting communities affected by extremist violence.
“The future is in the hands of Nigerians, but America has powerful leverage to do more,” she added.
Osemwegie, in his remarks, urged the U.S. Congress to approve the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act, arguing that the proposed legislation would enhance accountability for terrorism-related offences.
The gala, themed “Thank You, America,” concluded a week-long advocacy campaign that featured meetings with U.S. lawmakers aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
During the event, Trump was presented with the 2026 Faith Defender Award in recognition of what organisers described as his administration’s efforts to advance religious freedom and combat terrorism around the world.
