US Agency Urges Nigeria’s Classification as High-Risk Nation for Religious Violence

The United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called on the US government to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). This recommendation comes in response to ongoing religious violence and the Nigerian government’s failure to protect minority groups.

USCIRF’s Concerns About Religious Violence in Nigeria

In its 2025 annual report, USCIRF criticized Nigerian authorities for not prosecuting those responsible for religious violence. The commission warned that this lack of action fuels further attacks, worsens sectarian tensions, and weakens religious freedom in the country.

If Nigeria is officially reclassified as a CPC under the US International Religious Freedom Act, it could face diplomatic and economic consequences, including sanctions and restrictions on foreign aid.

Nigeria’s Previous CPC Designation

Nigeria was previously designated as a CPC, but the US government removed it from the list in 2021. However, the push for redesignation has been ongoing. In 2022, five US senators urged then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reinstate Nigeria’s CPC status, citing worsening religious intolerance and violence.

The senators highlighted increasing attacks on Christians and the government’s crackdown on religious minorities, including indefinite detentions over blasphemy-related accusations.

US Lawmakers and Officials Push for Action

The USCIRF report follows renewed calls from the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa. Chairman Chris Smith urged the US government to impose tough sanctions on Nigeria over religious violence. He criticized Secretary Blinken for removing Nigeria from the CPC list and cited reports describing Nigeria as a dangerous place for Christians.

According to Smith, Nigerian authorities have not done enough to stop religiously motivated attacks despite religious freedom being protected under the country’s Constitution. He also pointed out contradictions in Nigerian laws, particularly those criminalizing blasphemy, which can carry the death penalty.

Nigeria’s Response to Religious Violence Claims

The Nigerian government has rejected claims of targeted attacks on religious groups. The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that security challenges in the country are not religiously motivated. It also accused international organizations of misrepresenting the situation to pressure the US into reinstating Nigeria’s CPC status.

The ministry stressed that the government is actively working to address security concerns by deploying security forces, improving intelligence gathering, and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Reports of Religious Persecution and Attacks

Despite government assurances, the USCIRF report detailed continued attacks on religious communities. Armed groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other militants continue to target religious minorities with little resistance from security forces.

In 2024, USCIRF documented several attacks, including:

• The killing of 14 people, including a pastor, by suspected Boko Haram militants in Yobe State.
• The kidnapping of 160 mostly Christian children by Ansaru militants in Niger State, with eight victims killed.
• The murder of at least 70 people and abduction of 20 students in Christian-majority areas of Benue State.
• The execution of 15 people by the extremist Lakurawa group in Kebbi State.

USCIRF noted that security forces have been slow to respond, leaving religious institutions vulnerable to further attacks.

International Concerns Over Religious Freedom

Nigeria’s religious violence has drawn global criticism. In early 2025, the European Parliament passed a resolution urging Nigeria to abolish blasphemy laws and release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a musician sentenced to death in 2020 for singing a religious song deemed offensive.

International organizations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, have condemned Nigeria’s handling of religious persecution cases. Reports indicate that thousands of people have been killed in religious violence, and blasphemy laws continue to threaten free speech and religious expression.

USCIRF’s Recommendations

To address the crisis, USCIRF urged the US government to:

• Redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
• Classify Boko Haram and ISWAP as “Entities of Particular Concern.”
• Increase support for Nigerian organizations advocating religious freedom.
• Redirect US foreign aid to strengthen security, law enforcement, and conflict resolution efforts.
• Pressure Nigerian authorities to prosecute religious violence perpetrators and protect vulnerable communities.

With religious tensions continuing to rise, international pressure on Nigeria is expected to grow.