US Congress to Probe Nigeria’s Response to Christian Killings, Middle Belt Insecurity
The United States Congress is set to examine Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities and address insecurity in the Middle Belt during a congressional hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The hearing, titled “One Year Later: Assessing Nigeria’s Efforts to Protect Christians and Secure the Middle Belt,” will be chaired by Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa.
Lawmakers are expected to assess the Nigerian government’s response to attacks by extremist groups, including Boko Haram, measures to protect vulnerable communities and efforts to bring perpetrators of religious violence to justice.
According to a statement from Smith’s office, the hearing will also consider possible actions the United States could take to encourage Nigerian authorities to prevent violence against Christians and non-radical Muslim communities.
The session will feature US government officials, including Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Riley Barnes, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.
Other participants include religious freedom advocate Nina Shea, Open Doors US Chief Executive Officer Ryan Brown, and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
The hearing comes amid heightened tensions over allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria and growing international scrutiny of the government’s handling of insecurity.
In 2025, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing concerns over the persecution of Christians.
Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, particularly in the North-East and Middle Belt, where extremist attacks, communal clashes and disputes over land and resources have resulted in violence and displacement.
The congressional hearing is expected to renew debate over religious freedom, civilian protection and security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
