United States Senator Ted Cruz has launched a blistering attack on the Nigerian government, accusing some of its officials of creating and sustaining policies that encourage widespread violence against Christians and other religious minorities while revealing that Washington is pushing to sanction those allegedly responsible.
The Republican lawmaker from Texas made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account following renewed action by the U.S. House of Representatives on measures aimed at addressing religious persecution in Nigeria.
Cruz alleged that certain Nigerian officials had fostered an environment in which extremist groups operate with little restraint by enforcing blasphemy and Sharia laws while allegedly failing to decisively confront jihadist attacks targeting Christian communities and other religious minorities.
According to him, these policies have contributed to persistent violence and deepened concerns within the United States over Nigeria’s handling of religious freedom and security.
The senator further claimed that the U.S. government already knows the identities of the Nigerian officials allegedly responsible for the policies and disclosed that he has been championing legislation that would impose sanctions on them.
He also referenced actions taken by the administration of President Donald Trump, saying military measures had already been ordered in response to terrorism-related concerns.
Cruz accused Nigerian authorities of responding to mounting international criticism with a public relations campaign rather than addressing allegations of insecurity, religious persecution and attacks on vulnerable communities.
According to him, Nigerian officials believed they could withstand international pressure and maintain the status quo, but recent developments in the U.S. House of Representatives signaled a shift in Washington’s approach.
His remarks came amid renewed scrutiny by American lawmakers over Nigeria’s response to recurring attacks on Christian communities, particularly in the northern part of the country.
During a congressional hearing on religious freedom in Nigeria on Wednesday, U.S. Representative Chris Smith alleged that extremist groups, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and armed Fulani militants, have continued to target Christian communities. He urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to end the violence and protect affected populations.
Also speaking at the hearing, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, said the Trump administration was treating allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria “very seriously.”
While acknowledging improved cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, Waltz maintained that the Nigerian government still had significant work to do in addressing concerns surrounding the application of Sharia law in parts of northern Nigeria and ensuring the protection of religious freedom.
He further alleged that churches had been destroyed, pastors killed and individuals arrested for openly displaying Christian symbols, including wearing crosses, stressing that the United States would continue to engage Nigerian authorities on the need to safeguard religious liberties and protect vulnerable communities.
The renewed criticism from senior American officials is expected to intensify international attention on Nigeria’s human rights record, particularly its handling of religious violence, counterterrorism efforts and the protection of minority faith communities.