Nigeria’s Struggle with Jihadist Violence and Kidnapping

Nigeria has made strides in tackling the ongoing jihadist violence faced by Christians across the country. However, Ryan Brown, the CEO of the Christian aid organization Open Doors US, cautions that the alarming rise in kidnappings should not just be viewed as a basic security concern. He emphasizes that many victims report their captors demanding conversions, which adds a complex layer to the issue.

In a recent discussion with Breitbart News, Brown expressed his dismay over how victim voices often get sidelined. “It breaks my heart,” he said, noting the necessity of listening to what these individuals have to say. Many of them indicate that their faith is part of a complicated and dire situation, one that we can’t just ignore.

Brown’s comments come alongside a new report from Open Doors titled “Nigeria at the Crossroads,” which tracks violence against Christians over the past year. The situation gained further attention after President Donald Trump declared in October 2025 that Nigeria would be included again on the State Department’s list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC). This decision stemmed from the shocking levels of violence predominantly occurring in the Muslim-majority north, where groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates operate, as well as in the Middle Belt, where Fulani jihadists target indigenous Christians.

Though this designation was met with outrage from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, it seems to have prompted some action against jihadist violence. However, the report noted a troubling increase in abductions of both Christians and others in Nigeria. In comparing the last quarter of 2025 to the same period in the previous year, the report remarked on a staggering 153% rise in kidnappings—from 1,352 to 3,415. November 2025, in particular, saw mass kidnappings that led to the closure of schools across 11 states in the north.

According to Brown, this surge can be attributed to multiple factors. Some abductions appear to stem not from religious motives but from sheer criminal activity. “While targeted attacks on Christians happen, there’s also the reality that abductions have become a big business,” he explained. However, this doesn’t account for all the kidnappings, as evidence indicates that many victims are still chosen specifically for their faith.

As Brown pointed out, anticipated trends indicate that the number of killings could also rise in the coming year, with data from 2026 still being gathered. He highlighted a perceptible uptick following military actions by the U.S., as it seems some kidnappers might have begun using their captives as human shields.

The Nigerian government has persistently denied any existence of religious persecution. Even faced with substantial evidence, including recordings from terrorists themselves, they maintain that jihadist groups are not aimed at eradicating the Christian population. In response to the CPC designation, Tinubu stated that Nigeria’s status as a religiously intolerant country does not reflect reality. Despite this denial, he eventually accepted assistance from the U.S. to combat the jihadist threat, which led to military strikes on Christmas Day in 2025.

This ongoing dismissal of Christian persecution, coupled with the rise in general crime and mass kidnappings, complicates advocacy efforts, Brown noted. He insists that Nigerian officials need to heed the experiences of those directly affected, who consistently cite their faith as a major factor in their targeting.

“Unfortunately, a lot of discussion tends to downplay the impact of religious motivation in these violent incidents,” Brown remarked, stressing the need to take victim testimonies seriously. “We have to include local religious leaders in these conversations and potential solutions.”

Though some of the recent kidnappings may not be strictly related to religious conflict, Brown reiterated that people are indeed being specifically targeted for their beliefs. Many victims report that they’re told these atrocities would cease if they were to convert to Islam.

Interestingly, despite the increase in abductions following the CPC designation, Brown acknowledged that the Trump administration’s actions prompted important improvements in the Nigerian government’s approach to the crisis. He noted a strategic redeployment of law enforcement in unstable regions and better treatment of displaced Christians in camps following attacks by extremists.

Brown remarked that the CPC designation has created visibility and dialogue that were previously lacking. While there is acknowledgment of some positive shifts in government engagement, significant challenges remain. Open Doors advocates for enhancements in Nigeria’s alert systems to ensure responses to impending jihadist attacks on Christian communities. They also aim for better living conditions for displaced individuals and the long-term objective of returning them home, which is especially tricky in regions where Fulani jihadists are actively colonizing Christian land.

Additionally, Brown pointed out that excessive focus tends to be placed on well-known terrorist organizations like Boko Haram and ISWAP, while regions like the Middle Belt are often overlooked. He underscored that recognizing and addressing the religious aspects of the violence is crucial for effectively tackling this ongoing crisis.