At the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., on June 23, leading Nigerian religious figures called for increased U.S. support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Bishop David Oyedepo, Presiding Bishop of Winners’ Chapel, both warned that Nigeria is approaching a breaking point due to ongoing insecurity.
According to a press release from Save Nigeria Group USA President Stephen Osemwegie, Adeboye directly appealed to the United States and its allies for intensified assistance. “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,” he said, urging greater international involvement. Adeboye also acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump’s tough stance against terrorism, stating, “Thank God for Trump. He means business,” while clarifying he did not agree with all of Trump’s policies.
Representing Oyedepo in a keynote address, a spokesperson painted a stark picture of Nigeria’s security crisis, describing the nation as being “virtually at the brink of collapse due to unrelenting terrorist attacks and violence.” Oyedepo expressed his support for proposed U.S. legislation to enhance accountability for terrorism-related crimes in Nigeria, saying, “My heart bleeds.”
The event also featured remarks from Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, who warned that Nigeria faced the risk of violent civil unrest if urgent action was not taken. “Nigeria is at a fork in the road. Address this insecurity or face violent civil unrest,” he cautioned.
Human rights advocate Dr. Katrina Swett echoed calls for increased U.S. involvement in protecting religious freedom and supporting victims of extremist violence. “The future is in the hands of Nigerians, but America has powerful leverage to do more,” she emphasized.
Osemwegie urged the U.S. Congress to pass the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act to strengthen accountability for terrorism-related offenses. Themed “Thank You, America,” the gala concluded a week-long advocacy campaign that included meetings with U.S. lawmakers to promote international cooperation against terrorism.
During the event, President Trump was presented with the 2026 Faith Defender Award in recognition of what organizers described as his administration’s commitment to advancing religious freedom and combating terrorism globally.
