A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to address religious persecution in Nigeria, with a focus on protecting Christians facing violence from militant groups. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), who has represented New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981, is the primary sponsor of H.R. 860. The legislation updates an earlier measure and aims to provide congressional guidance for the State Department to advance religious freedom and protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
Smith told Military.com that the situation in Nigeria “has gotten significantly worse within the past year.” He emphasized that the bill supports President Donald Trump’s initiative to combat Christian persecution overseas and provides congressional input for State Department actions such as sanctions intended to pressure the Nigerian government.
“The legislation supports President Trump’s initiative in combating Christian persecution overseas and provides congressional input for the State Department’s legally authorized actions, such as sanctions, to be used to persuade the Nigerian government to do the right thing,” Smith said.
“It also puts Nigeria on watch, sending a forceful message that the United States will not tolerate or enable the religious persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in that country, or anywhere else in the world,” he added.
The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL). No action was taken on Smith’s previous resolution introduced earlier this year.
President Trump recently described Nigeria as a “disgraced country” whose government “continues to allow the killing of Christians,” threatening strong U.S. action if violence persists. The State Department reported via X that it has revoked 80,000 visas belonging to Nigerians and other foreign nationals since January.
A State Department official declined comment on pending legislation but stated: “The level of violence against Christians in Nigeria is appalling. The government of Nigeria must provide safety, security and rule of law for Christians and protect religious freedom across the country.”
“Authorities must address the threats posed by terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa in northern Nigeria and targeted violence perpetrated by Fulani ethnic militia and other violent groups,” added the official.
Smith’s bill outlines steps for mitigating violence, including providing humanitarian aid to faith-based groups, conditioning U.S. foreign assistance on addressing religious freedom violations, collaborating with Treasury for targeted sanctions under Global Magnitsky authority against individuals or entities responsible for violations—including specific organizations—and reaffirming U.S. commitment to promoting human rights globally.
Representative Huizenga commented: “The slaughter of innocent Christians in Nigeria demands a strong response from the United States… This measure calls for setting verifiable conditions on any U.S. aid going to Nigeria. Nigeria must do more to protect all innocent individuals, including Christians, within its borders.”
On November 3rd, President Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), echoing similar designations during his first term when attacks against religious communities were described as commonplace by officials. Since 2009, recommendations from bodies such as the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom have called attention to systematic violations tolerated by Nigerian authorities.
“USCIRF applauds President Trump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,” said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler. “The U.S. government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held to account, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are rescued.”
Reports cited by Smith indicate extensive attacks: since 2009 approximately 19,100 churches have been attacked or closed; over 7,000 Christians were killed during just part of 2025; more than 185,000 deaths—including both Christian and Muslim victims—have been recorded since 2009; thousands have been kidnapped by jihadist groups over about sixteen years.
Smith expressed optimism about H.R. 860’s prospects: “Christians living in Nigeria are living under the unabating threat of murder, rape and torture by radical Islamist terrorist groups… President Trump’s well-founded action to redesignate Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’—reversing an incredibly ill-advised decision by the Biden Administration—is a significant stride towards addressing this mounting crisis and eventually achieving lasting peace, stability, and religious freedom in the country.”
Chris Smith was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953; he lives in Manchester Township today. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s degree.
For more information see https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/11/07/new-bill-calls-stronger-us-response-religious-persecution-nigeria.html
