The United States has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from violent attacks and accelerate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.
The appeal was made by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during a series of high-level meetings in Abuja as part of his official visit to Nigeria from July 11 to 18, 2026.
A statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, July 15, said Garcia met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The talks focused on security cooperation, justice sector reform, religious freedom, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy and regional stability.
READ ALSO:Â US Lawmaker To Brief White House On Persecution Of Christians In Nigeria
Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s continued engagement through the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group but urged authorities to do more to prevent attacks on Christian communities and commit greater resources to enabling displaced persons to return safely to their homes.
He expressed optimism ahead of the Joint Working Group’s next meeting in Washington, D.C., in August 2026, where both countries will review progress on agreed commitments.
Discussions with the Attorney-General centred on terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability and religious freedom, while talks with Tijani explored opportunities to expand U.S. investment and deepen private sector participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Garcia also met executives of leading American energy and technology companies to discuss Nigeria’s investment climate and prospects for stronger commercial ties.
The visit underscored ongoing efforts by Abuja and Washington to deepen cooperation on security, economic growth and regional stability.