The US-Nigeria Joint Group recently held its inaugural meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital, with the view to addressing violent extremist attacks and terrorism in Nigeria.
In a statement issued at the end of the meeting, the Joint Group disclosed that the meeting it is aimed at reducing violence against vulnerable populations, particularly Christian communities in Nigeria.
According to the group, “Working in close partnership, the Group aims to reduce violence against vulnerable populations particularly Christian communities in Nigeria and to foster an environment in which Nigerian can freely practice their faith without fair or intimidation from terrorists.”
It affirmed an unwavering commitment to upholding religious freedom and agreed on the need to take a firm and coordinated actions to promote and protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion for all Nigerian citizens.
Comprising of representatives from ten Federal Ministries and Agencies, the Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu while the US delegation comprised of officials from eight Federal Agencies led by the Under Secretary of State Ms. Alison Hooker.
The Joint Working Group was established by both governments following the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by the US government.
The persistent and deadly attacks of violent extremist groups in Nigeria, posing extensive security risks to vulnerable populations particularly Christian communities especially in the Northern part of Nigeria probed the intervention of the US government to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in October 2025.
The Trump’s administration made this declaration due to allegations of systemic, ongoing, and unabated acts of religious freedom violations, including attacks by militant groups, farmer-herder conflicts, and wanton killings specifically targeting Christians, with concerns over the Nigerian government’s failure to address these issues.
In 2019, Nigeria was placed on the State Department’s Special Watch List and was first designated as a CPC in December 2020 before being removed in 2021.
The United States has raised alarms over Nigeria’s ability to protect Christian communities following the incessant attacks on Christian individuals and shocking abductions of dozens of worshippers in Churches and worship centers.
According to data tracking organisations like the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intercity Society) and others monitoring religious persecution, it is estimated that over 50,000 to 100,000 Nigerian Christians have been killed by extremist and radicalized groups since the rise of Boko Haram.
Various Christian groups and denominations especially CAN leadership affirm that persecution of Christians in Nigeria is taking place and call on the Nigerian government to respond to the situation with urgency and safe vulnerable groups.
The Nigerian government through various agencies has denied the claims of Christian genocide, claiming that insurgent and extremist attacks cut across adherents of different faith groups.
The US Congress, directed by President Donald Trump, sent a delegation to conduct a fact-finding mission in December 2025 regarding allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State.
With the designation of Nigeria as CPC and the establishment of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, Nigerians expect expedited actions from the group to prevail on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts and actions to end violent attacks and extremism in the country.
