DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Adeboye, Oyedepo seek stronger US support against terrorism

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Nigerian religious leaders Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Bishop David Oyedepo urged the U.S. to increase support in combating terrorism.
  • They warned that Nigeria is nearing a breaking point due to persistent insecurity and violence.
  • The leaders appealed for stronger international cooperation and accountability for terrorism-related atrocities.

Prominent Nigerian religious leaders, Pastor Enoch Adeboye of The Redeemed Christian Church of God and Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners’ Chapel, have called for enhanced support from the United States to address the escalating terrorism crisis in Nigeria. Speaking at the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala in Washington, D.C., they painted a dire picture of the nation's security situation.

If you want to help us, help us more. No matter who is in office in Nigeria, only God can help us. Use your influence to help us.

— Pastor Enoch AdeboyeAppealing for increased U.S. support to combat terrorism in Nigeria.

Pastor Adeboye appealed directly for more international assistance, stating, "If you want to help us, help us more." He acknowledged past U.S. efforts, commending former President Donald Trump's stance against terrorism, while noting that "only God can help us" regardless of who is in office in Nigeria.

My heart bleeds.

— Bishop David OyedepoExpressing sorrow over the dire security situation in Nigeria.

Bishop Oyedepo, in a message delivered on his behalf, described Nigeria as being "virtually at the brink of collapse" due to relentless terrorist attacks. He expressed support for proposed U.S. legislation aimed at increasing accountability for atrocities committed in the country.

Nigeria is at a fork in the road. Address this insecurity or face violent civil unrest.

— Sam BrownbackWarning of the potential for civil unrest if insecurity persists.

Former U.S. Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, echoed these concerns, warning Nigeria risks "violent civil unrest" if immediate action is not taken. Human rights advocate Dr. Katrina Swett also emphasized the U.S. possesses "powerful leverage to do more" in protecting religious freedom and supporting victims of extremist violence. The event highlighted a week-long advocacy campaign focused on boosting international cooperation against terrorism, with organizers honoring Trump for his administration's efforts in combating global terrorism and promoting religious freedom.

The future is in the hands of Nigerians, but America has powerful leverage to do more.

— Dr Katrina SwettHighlighting the U.S.'s capacity to increase its involvement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog