U.S. Clears Trump to Sanction Nigeria Over Christian Killings

The United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa has authorized President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria over increasing attacks on Christians in the country.

During a recent hearing, the subcommittee, led by Chairman Chris Smith, highlighted Nigeria as the deadliest place for Christians, citing reports that Nigerians make up 90% of Christians killed worldwide annually.

Christian Persecution in Nigeria

The committee referenced a 2024 report by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, which recorded 55,910 killings between October 2019 and September 2023, with 21,000 people abducted by terror groups.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who testified at the hearing, described the perpetrators—militant Fulani herdsmen—as terrorists who steal, vandalize, kill, and boast about it, while enjoying total impunity from elected officials.

Chris Smith echoed these concerns, stating:

“This ‘religious cleansing’ needs to stop, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.”

Nigeria’s Government Under Fire

The subcommittee criticized the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christians despite religious freedom being enshrined in the country’s constitution. It also raised concerns about the weaponization of blasphemy laws, which can carry the death penalty.

Mr. Smith blamed former U.S. President Joe Biden for removing Nigeria from the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list, a designation that had been placed during Trump’s first term.

He urged Trump to reinstate Nigeria on the CPC list and take further action to stop the persecution of Christians.

Sanctions on the Table

The subcommittee stated that if killings continue, the U.S. government must impose sanctions on Nigeria.

Smith emphasized:

“If necessary, sanctions must be imposed. Where that has happened, there has been change. Where it doesn’t, the killing fields continue.”

With this resolution, Nigeria could face severe diplomatic and economic consequences under Trump’s leadership unless decisive action is taken to protect Christians.