The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening security cooperation with Nigeria, while urging sustained and decisive action to protect Christian communities and curb terrorism across the country.
Speaking at a high-level engagement on Thursday, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said bilateral relations between Washington and Abuja have gained renewed momentum in recent months, citing what she described as “tremendous strides” made by both countries.
Hooker noted that cooperation intensified following October 31, 2025, when President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a move she said helped catalyse closer collaboration on protecting vulnerable communities and addressing insecurity.
“I am here today to continue and broaden that partnership,” Hooker said, adding that U.S.–Nigeria relations are anchored on shared priorities in security, trade and investment, energy, and regional stability.
She explained that ongoing discussions with Nigerian officials are focused on deterring violence against Christian communities, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts, investigating attacks, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. According to her, particular emphasis is being placed on reducing killings, forced displacement, and abductions of Christians, especially in the North Central states.
Commending Nigeria’s cooperation in degrading terrorist capabilities, Hooker disclosed that the December 25 airstrikes against terrorist elements were closely coordinated with Nigerian authorities. She said the United States would continue working with Nigeria to defeat what she described as “heinous groups” responsible for violence against civilians.
Highlighting early outcomes of the renewed engagement, the U.S. official revealed that the Nigerian government ordered the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police officers to help protect vulnerable communities. She also cited the arraignment of nine suspects linked to a June massacre in Benue State and the arrest of 39 individuals allegedly fleeing Sokoto State following the December 25 strikes.
On efforts to protect Christians, Hooker praised Nigerian authorities for securing the release of 38 worshippers abducted from a church in Kwara State, as well as 265 victims taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School. She described these developments as “real progress” resulting directly from U.S.–Nigeria engagement.
However, she expressed concern over fresh reports of insecurity, particularly the abduction of more than 170 Christians in Kaduna State on January 18. “The government of Nigeria must do more to protect Christians and their right to practice their faith freely and safely,” she said.
Hooker also called on local government leaders to work closely with non-governmental organisations to support victims and their families, stressing that advancing religious freedom would further strengthen the broader bilateral relationship.
According to her, improved security and respect for religious freedom would help unlock greater economic and trade opportunities, weaken terrorist networks, and enhance cooperation in health and other critical sectors.
Looking ahead, Hooker said discussions would focus on pathways for the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities in the North Central region, measures to disrupt the flow of weapons and funding to terrorist groups, and expanded investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for atrocities.
“I look forward to our working group sessions and to seeing Nigeria take active, sustained steps to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief for all, and to turn the tide on insecurity and terrorism,” she said.
