The United States has called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities following the abduction of more than 170 worshippers in Kaduna State, an incident that has renewed concerns over religiously motivated violence in the country.
The abduction reportedly occurred on January 18. Although initially denied by the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, authorities later confirmed the incident. Sources said the abductors are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at ₦28.9 million, allegedly seized during recent military operations, as a condition for releasing the victims.
The call was made during a high-level United States–Nigeria Working Group meeting held in Abuja. U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said Nigeria must do more to ensure the safety of Christians and protect their right to freely practise their faith.
“Persistent attacks on religious communities undermine security gains and public confidence,” Hooker said. “We are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritise counterterrorism, investigate attacks and hold perpetrators accountable, and reduce the number of killings, forced displacements and abductions, particularly in the North Central states.”
She referenced recent releases of abducted Christians, including 38 worshippers taken from a church in Kwara State and 265 students from St. Mary’s Catholic School, attributing the developments to ongoing US engagement with Nigerian authorities. However, she expressed concern over the Kaduna abduction and urged stronger measures to safeguard religious freedom.
Hooker added that advancing religious freedom and security would strengthen bilateral relations between both countries, enhancing trade, economic cooperation, health responses and counterterrorism efforts, while supporting the return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
Responding, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledged the scale of the security challenge and pledged intensified military and law enforcement operations in affected areas. He described religiously motivated violence as unacceptable and said it would be treated as an attack on the Nigerian state.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens, Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said. “Our response integrates security operations, the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication to ensure operational successes translate into public confidence and strengthened social cohesion.”
Ribadu disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had authorised expanded security deployments, enhanced intelligence coordination and thorough investigations into attacks targeting religious communities. He assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.
