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US weighs sanctions over Nigeria’s religious freedom concerns

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By EgbemaVoice 

The United States is considering sanctions and possible Pentagon involvement in counter-terrorism efforts as it increases pressure on Nigeria to better protect Christian communities, a senior State Department official told lawmakers

Jonathan Pratt, head of the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the Trump administration is “developing a plan to incentivize and compel the Nigerian government to better protect Christian communities and improve religious freedom.”

He said the review includes potential State and Treasury Department actions and possible “Department of War engagement on counter terrorism,” using the new name President Donald Trump has given the Pentagon.

Pratt said Washington is reassessing the security assistance it provides to Nigeria and existing intelligence-sharing arrangements. In a post on X, he added: “The President’s decision underscores the Administration’s commitment to promoting religious freedom as a universal right… We remain open to working together with the Nigerians, but we also expect the Nigerian government to deliver results on the ground.”

Trump has warned that the US could take military action if Nigeria fails to curb att+cks on Christians and has threatened to halt all aid. Nigerian officials reject claims of systemic persecution, saying insecurity stems from ethnic tensions, resource conflicts, and Islamist extremism.

In October, the US redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious-freedom v+olations. Jacob McGee, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, said the move had “captured the attention” of Nigerian leaders but that “a lot more needs to be done.”

A high-level Nigerian delegation, including the national security adviser and top defence and police chiefs, is in Washington for meetings with senior US officials. Pratt also told lawmakers he does not believe Nigeria’s government has been infiltrated by jihadists, while McGee stressed: “They have to do better

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