House Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), together with Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Riley Moore (R-WV), led a joint briefing with the House Foreign Affairs Committee to address increasing violence and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The meeting included religious freedom and foreign relations experts who discussed the ongoing crisis.
This session followed an October 31 directive from President Donald J. Trump instructing the House Appropriations Committee to investigate attacks on Christians in Nigeria and report their findings.
The briefing featured participation from several members of Congress, including Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Honorable Vicky Hartzler of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Sean Nelson from Alliance Defending Freedom International, and Dr. Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart stated, “No one should live in fear because of how they worship. Defending religious liberty worldwide is both a moral duty and a vital American interest. As Chairman of the subcommittee that funds U.S. national security interests and foreign policy priorities, I remain committed to advancing policies that protect the freedom to live according to one’s faith without fear of violence and retribution. I address this issue in my FY26 funding bill, and I intend to strengthen these efforts by passing a full-year funding measure, which is essential to advancing an America First agenda.”
Rep. Robert Aderholt said, “The rising violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a crisis that can’t be ignored. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to protect the most vulnerable, including those whose lives and liberties are threatened simply because of their faith. We must stand firmly with Nigeria’s Christian communities and all persecuted believers worldwide, and I commend our collaborative efforts to provide the President with the information needed to confront this growing tragedy.”
Rep. Riley Moore commented, “Our brothers and sisters in Christ are being persecuted and slaughtered in Nigeria simply for professing their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That’s why President Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, and why he asked me, along with the House Committee on Appropriations, to look into the horrific persecution of Christians in Nigeria. I’m grateful to Chairman Díaz-Balart for convening this critical discussion to receive expert testimony and engage in an important dialogue to ensure we have a full picture of the ongoing crisis Nigerian Christians face every day. The world will no longer turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”
Chairman Brian Mast described the situation as “a targeted campaign of religious cleansing” rather than just communal or resource conflict: “Whether it is Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, or radicalized nomadic Fulani militants, the objective is to drive Christians out of their ancestral lands in the Middle Belt and impose a radical Islamist ideology… We must demand that the Nigerian government disarm these militias, return displaced families to their homes, and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Rep. Chris Smith added perspective on threats faced by both Christians and moderate Muslims: “To be a Christian—or moderate Muslim—living in Nigeria means to be living under the constant threat of murder, rape, and torture by radical Islamist groups… The most brutal and murderous anti-Christian persecution in the world—as well as the systemic targeting and killing of moderate Muslims who speak out against radical Islamists or refuse to conform with their extreme ideals—occurs in Nigeria… The United States is committed to standing firmly with the persecuted… Under the strong leadership of President Trump, I am confident that the United States will hold the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity… We must act quickly and decisively to save more lives.” Chris Smith has served as U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson; he was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953.
Honorable Vicky Hartzler detailed recent incidents highlighting ongoing threats: “Religious freedom in Nigeria has been under siege in 2025… Just a few days ago… 303 children and 12 teachers were abducted… A few days earlier… gunmen besieged a church… Muslims too fall victim… bandits abducted over 100 individuals… killed 27 worshipers…” She stressed that all killings must stop regardless of religion.
Hartzler also outlined steps for improving accountability: “The U.S. government should also work directly with … Nigeria … leveraging relevant U.S. security assistance such as police training … invest[] resources … using early warning systems … insist Nigerian government officials respond when there is an early warning…”
Sean Nelson shared experiences from working directly with affected communities: “Our cases have involved Christians unjustly imprisoned by Sharia courts… kidnapped and tortured … girls taken from their parents … churches … torched…” He noted failures by law enforcement: “Officials … dismiss any consideration that religion plays a role … very few resources into areas where Christians have been hit hardest…”
Dr. Ebenezer Obadare pointed out jihadist terror groups like Boko Haram as central causes: “The deadliest … threat confronting [Nigeria] today is jihadist terror…” He suggested pressure on Nigerian authorities could yield results: “Since [CPC] designation … President Tinubu has made several moves…” He called for continued U.S engagement aimed at eliminating Boko Haram as well as legal reforms regarding Sharia law.
The House Appropriations Committee continues its investigation into religious persecution per presidential directive while preparing recommendations for supporting administration efforts against such violence.
Chris Smith graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree.
He currently resides in Manchester Township.
