Ted Cruz, a US senator has alleged that some Nigerian government officials are complicit in the killing of Christians, raising concerns during a United States Senate hearing on counterterrorism in Africa.
Speaking at the session, the lawmaker claimed that violence targeting Christians in Nigeria has reached alarming levels, stating that “more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world”.
He further alleged that since 2009, over 50,000 Christians have been killed, while thousands of churches and religious institutions have been destroyed.
Cruz argued that certain Nigerian officials have “been, unfortunately, complicit in facilitating these atrocities”, and criticised what he described as a slow response by authorities to ongoing security challenges.
The senator also linked the violence to the implementation of Sharia law in parts of northern Nigeria, suggesting it has contributed to tensions and attacks.
“Since 2009, Islamic jihadists have murdered more than 50,000 Christians in Nigeria and more than 20,000 churches, schools, and religious institutions have been destroyed, most burned to the ground.
“Nigerian officials had been, unfortunately, complicit in facilitating these atrocities,”he said.
As part of his response, Cruz referenced a proposed legislation titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which he said is designed to hold Nigerian officials accountable for alleged violations tied to religious persecution.
However, Nick Checker, a US state department official offered a more measured assessment, noting that Nigeria has taken steps to address insecurity.
According to him, recent actions include leadership changes within security agencies, recruitment of additional personnel, and increased prosecution of terrorism-related offences.
“We’ve seen positive steps by the Nigerians, but certainly more can be done,” Checker said, adding that the US would continue to monitor progress and engage with Nigerian authorities.
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