Fresh Details Emerge From US–Nigeria Meeting Over CPC Designation on Christian Killings

The United States and the Federal Government of Nigeria have released details from a high-level meeting following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged Christian genocide.

US President Donald Trump had designated Nigeria as a CPC, citing concerns over religious freedom, particularly the treatment of Christians in parts of the country.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, both 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 under the US International Religious Freedom Act.

According to the statement, the group is mandated to “reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to create a conducive environment for all Nigerians to practise their faith freely, without interference from terrorists, separatists, bandits, or criminal militias”.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and comprised representatives from 10 ministries and government agencies. The US delegation was headed by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, alongside officials from eight federal agencies.

Both sides held what they described as “strategic discussions” on enhancing bilateral cooperation to improve religious freedom and strengthen security across Nigeria.

They also reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as one “anchored on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and sovereignty”.

The US delegation acknowledged Nigeria’s recent efforts to address insecurity, particularly in the North-Central region, where attacks on farming and Christian communities have been recurrent.

The statement noted that both governments reiterated their “strong and unflinching commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom” and agreed on the need for “joint, active, and sustained actions to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief for all, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

Participants further emphasised the importance of protecting civilians, “especially members of vulnerable Christian communities,” while ensuring that those responsible for acts of violence are brought to justice.

On security cooperation, the two sides agreed to deepen counter-terrorism collaboration through enhanced operational cooperation, access to technology, anti-money laundering initiatives, countering terrorist financing, and strengthening law enforcement and investigative capacities.

The US delegation also commended Nigeria for what it described as “urgent measures to strengthen security for at-risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths threatened by violence and terrorism”.

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Working Group would take place in the United States on a date to be fixed through diplomatic channels.

Politic Nigeria recall that on October 31, President Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, citing allegations of widespread violence and claims by some advocacy groups of a “Christian genocide” in parts of the country.