Crime
US Congress Warns Nigeria Faces Rising Christian–Muslim Violence
US Congress witnesses warn that Nigeria is at risk of widespread Christian-Muslim violence, citing killings, displacement, and insecurity as early signs of a deepening religious crisis
Witnesses appearing before the US Congress Foreign Affairs Committee have cautioned that Nigeria is at risk of descending into widespread Christian Muslim violence, identifying the country as a major flashpoint in a growing global religious freedom crisis.
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The warning came in written testimonies released ahead of a joint hearing of the House Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, titled Defending Religious Freedom Around the World.
Witnesses highlighted recurring killings, displacement, and insecurity as indicators of a broader emerging religious conflict.
Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, described Nigeria as “the deadliest place on the planet to be a Christian,” warning that early signs of a Muslim-on-Christian conflict are emerging across Africa.
He also expressed concern over foreign involvement from countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia potentially worsening instability.
Dr. Stephen Schneck, former chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USIRF), described global religious freedom as being in a “historic crisis,” citing Nigeria, Syria, and Sudan as examples of weak governance creating dangerous conditions for faith communities.
He also criticised the US for failing to take sustained action under the International Religious Freedom Act, emphasizing that advocacy must protect all faiths, not just Christians.
The US designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern has triggered ongoing bilateral discussions, including US military interventions against terrorist hideouts in Sokoto.
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Nigerian authorities maintain that insecurity affects citizens of all religious backgrounds, while US officials continue to explore counter-terrorism and strategic security partnerships.
Police dismiss officers Anthony Obodo case has been confirmed as the Rivers State Police Command dismissed three of its officers linked to the killing of a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo.
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while parading the three officers before journalists in Port Harcourt.
According to the command, the officers were linked to the incident that occurred last Thursday along Ada George in Port Harcourt, where Obodo was shot dead.
A member of the team, an inspector who fled after the shooting, has been declared a deserter.
CP Adepoju stated that the three arrested officers were subjected to an orderly room trial. Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of their culpability, they have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court.
“I am here to provide updates on some serious incidents recently recorded in the state, including the investigation into the death of one Anthony A. Obodo… Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the culpability of the officers involved… the officers being paraded today have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court,” Adepoju said.
The commissioner noted that he understood the concerns of Obodo’s family and members of the public, adding that the Command has taken appropriate disciplinary action against the police personnel involved.
Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt who was reportedly awaiting his NYSC call-up letter, was shot during a police pursuit.
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