Christian Killings: Nigeria Hiring Lobbyists To Mask Insecurity, Says Ted Cruz

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has accused the Nigerian federal government of hiring public relations lobbyists to mask the ongoing killing of Christians in the country. This accusation comes at a time when Nigeria is celebrating a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump commending its efforts in tackling insecurity.

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Nigerian officials have created an environment that facilitates mass violence against Christians and religious minorities by imposing blasphemy and Sharia laws and looking the other way at jihadist atrocities.

Cruz expressed disappointment with Nigeria's engagement of a lobbying firm, stating it is an attempt to deflect American concerns over the nation's security crisis. Nigeria reportedly hired the U.S.-based firm DCI Group for a $9 million contract in December. This deal was made months after President Trump designated Nigeria a 'country of particular concern.' According to documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, hired DCI Group through a Kaduna State law firm, Aster Legal.

Senator Cruz, who proposed the 'Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025' in October, aims to hold Nigerian government officials accountable for allegedly facilitating the mass murder of Christians. He stated on X, "Nigerian officials have created an environment that facilitates mass violence against Christians and religious minorities by imposing blasphemy and Sharia laws and looking the other way at jihadist atrocities." Cruz added that he has been pushing for sanctions against these officials, and President Trump has even ordered military action.

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The U.S. government knows the Nigerian officials responsible for these policies, I have been pushing my bill to sanction them, and President Trump has even ordered military action.

Cruz's remarks follow an amendment bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would increase the withholding of assistance to Nigeria from 50% to 100% until the country takes effective steps to prevent and respond to violence. The House approved the move by voice vote last Wednesday. Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa subcommittee, also criticized Nigeria’s lobbying efforts, calling them proof of a "culture of denial by Nigerian officials."

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a culture of denial by Nigerian officials persists.