Contemporary Particulars Emerge From US–Nigeria Assembly Over CPC Designation on Christian Killings
The US and the Federal Authorities of Nigeria have launched particulars from a high-level assembly following Nigeria’s designation as a Nation of Explicit Concern (CPC) over alleged Christian genocide.
US President Donald Trump had designated Nigeria as a CPC, citing considerations over non secular freedom, significantly the therapy of Christians in elements of the nation.
In a joint assertion launched on Thursday, each governments confirmed that the inaugural session of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group was held in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The Working Group was established after Nigeria was designated a CPC below the US Worldwide Non secular Freedom Act.
In line with the assertion, the group is remitted to “cut back violence in opposition to weak {groups} in Nigeria, significantly Christians, and to create a conducive atmosphere for all Nigerians to practise their religion freely, with out interference from terrorists, separatists, bandits, or prison militias”.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Nationwide Safety Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and comprised representatives from 10 ministries and authorities businesses. The US delegation was headed by Below Secretary of State Allison Hooker, alongside officers from eight federal businesses.
Either side held what they described as “strategic discussions” on enhancing bilateral cooperation to enhance non secular freedom and strengthen safety throughout Nigeria.
Additionally they reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and america, describing it as one “anchored on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of regulation, and sovereignty”.
The US delegation acknowledged Nigeria’s latest efforts to handle insecurity, significantly within the North-Central area, the place assaults on farming and Christian communities have been recurrent.
The assertion famous that each governments reiterated their “sturdy and unflinching dedication to upholding the rules of spiritual freedom” and agreed on the necessity for “joint, lively, and sustained actions to advertise and defend freedom of faith or perception for all, in keeping with the Structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Individuals additional emphasised the significance of defending civilians, “particularly members of weak Christian communities,” whereas guaranteeing that these chargeable for acts of violence are dropped at justice.
On safety cooperation, the 2 sides agreed to deepen counter-terrorism collaboration via enhanced operational cooperation, entry to know-how, anti-money laundering initiatives, countering terrorist financing, and strengthening regulation enforcement and investigative capacities.
The US delegation additionally recommended Nigeria for what it described as “pressing measures to strengthen safety for at-risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths threatened by violence and terrorism”.
It was agreed that the following assembly of the Joint Working Group would happen in america on a date to be fastened via diplomatic channels.
Politic Nigeria recall that on October 31, President Trump designated Nigeria a Nation of Explicit Concern, citing allegations of widespread violence and claims by some advocacy {groups} of a “Christian genocide” in elements of the nation.