Members of the United Kingdom Parliament have voiced serious concern over Nigeria’s escalating religious violence, echoing long-standing warnings from the United States.

US lawmakers, including Riley Moore and Ted Cruz, have repeatedly drawn attention to the systematic persecution of Christians by extremist groups.

In 2025, President Donald Trump criticised Nigeria on his Truth Social platform, redesignating it as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to killings by “radical Islamists” and hinting that the US might suspend aid or take stronger measures.

During a debate in the UK House of Commons on January 13, 2026, the transcript of which was obtained by The PUNCH via the House of Commons website on Tuesday, David Smith led the discussion on government support for freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

Smith, who also serves as the UK’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief, described the situation in Nigeria as “persistent and entrenched,” citing widespread killings, kidnappings, and legal suppression affecting multiple religious groups.

This is coming as President Bola Tinubu begins a state visit to the United Kingdom today.

In his debate, Smith highlighted the scale of the crisis, saying that “more Christians are killed each year in Nigeria for being Christians than in all other countries combined.”

He recalled a personal encounter during a visit to Abuja 15 years ago, where he heard from a man whose wife had been brutally murdered by a mob in northern Nigeria purely because she was a Christian.

Smith noted that “Some federal and state legal systems have been manipulated by politicians and public officials to impose so-called blasphemy and apostasy offences, despite Section 38 of the Nigerian constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion and conscience.”

He stressed that the persecution affected not only Christians but also Muslims, atheists, humanists, and practitioners of traditional beliefs.

Jim Shannon commended Smith’s work and asked whether he was aware of the Global Christian Relief red list 2026, which identifies the top five persecutors of Christians worldwide, including Nigeria.

Shannon, however, questioned the Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Stephen Doughty, who was also at the debate but preferred to speak at the end of the debate.

He asked, “Does he (Doughty) agree that the UK Government must use their diplomatic engagement, development assistance and security co-operation to press for improved civilian protection, accountability for perpetrators and the defence of freedom of religion or belief for all Nigerians, whatever their faith may be?”

Responding, Smith said he was aware of the list and emphasised the UK Government’s commitment to values-based foreign policy, stating, “Our consciences will not let us ignore the suffering of anyone denied dignity, agency, and freedom.”

He noted that Nigeria’s significance extends globally due to its growing population of 240 million and its connections to the UK, including 270,000 Nigerian-born residents contributing to British society.

The UK envoy added, “Nigeria’s business is becoming everyone’s business. The old adage is: ‘When Nigeria sneezes, Africa catches a cold.’ Nigeria is booming, with a population of 240 million that is expected to continue growing for years to come.

“In the UK, we have 270,000 Nigerian-born residents, who make a dynamic contribution to our economy, society and country.

“A flourishing Nigeria, built on the common good, pluralism and universal freedoms, will be a blessing to the world, to Africa and to the UK.”

Danny Kruger highlighted a global pattern of Islamist persecution of Christians, saying, “It is not just a series of individual atrocities; there is a global pattern. It is right that we acknowledge it here.”

Recent incidents were cited as evidence of ongoing insecurity, including kidnappings from a church in Kogi State and a bombing at a mosque in Borno State.

Smith said, “Those are just the latest in a long line of attacks, violence and atrocities.”

According to figures referenced in the debate, at least 45,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria for faith-related reasons between 2011 and 2025.

Jeremy Hunt called for a stronger foreign policy response, stating, “Does he (Doughty) agree that it is vital that British foreign policy makes space for those without a voice, such as Christians in Nigeria, and that, however hard that is, we should redouble our efforts to do so?”

Smith replied, “I am certainly advocating for that in my role, and I know that the government takes it seriously. There is a false dichotomy in whether to advance freedoms or build economic relationships; we should have a holistic relationship with all partner countries around the world.”

He added, “Moderate Muslims are also targeted by the extremists, whom we need to call out. Religion is clearly key, but persecution is not necessarily evenly spread in every situation and in every country, and that is true of Nigeria.

“In Kaduna state, for example, after controlling for population, Christians were 15.8 times more likely to be abducted than Muslims, so there is a particular issue there. The situation continues to deteriorate.

“It is therefore reasonable to ask questions of the Nigerian military about their security response. In June last year, 258 people were killed in Yelwata, in Benue State. The nearest military base was just 20 miles away, but it took four hours for anyone to respond.”

Lizzi Collinge raised the case of Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian humanist jailed over a Facebook post deemed blasphemous, asking, “Does my honourable friend agree that no country should have blasphemy laws, whether directly or by the back door?”

Smith replied, “I have met Mubarak Bala twice, most recently in Warsaw. He has suffered very unjustly, and the government is clear that we should not be supporting blasphemy laws.”

Carla Lockhart referenced scripture, saying, “Let us remember Matthew 5:10: ‘Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ How many more burned churches and murdered worshippers do we have to see before concrete action is taken?”

Smith responded, “In our complex and committed relationship with Nigeria, Britain has a range of tools at our disposal to support change in the direction of freedom of religion or belief, and I look forward to hearing from the Minister about the excellent work that the government is doing, to which I remain committed.”

Mike Wood cited the murder of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, asking, “Can the minister assure the House that the UK Government would do everything to ensure improved security in particularly vulnerable parts of Nigeria?”

Responding to the lawmakers, Doughty said he welcomed the debate and praised Smith’s work.

Doughty highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that last year’s Open Doors World Watch List reported 3,100 Christians murdered for their faith in Nigeria in 2025, with a further 3,000 abducted.

“It is shocking to hear that extremists have stormed villages, killed worshippers, kidnapped families and burned homes, and we have heard some truly horrific examples today,” he said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion or belief and said defending this right helps build trust between communities and supports lasting peace and prosperity.

Doughty also noted UK engagement with Nigerian authorities and faith leaders, adding, “We highlight violations of freedom of religion or belief on the international stage and push for joint action, including at the UN, the G7, as part of the Article 18 Alliance and in bodies like the Human Rights Council.”

Doughty acknowledged the role of violent extremist groups, such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, in targeting communities, and said, “Those are utterly unacceptable and have shocked the world.”

He cited UK-led peace initiatives, including the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria programme, which has helped thousands of internally displaced people return home.

“If we do not tackle the root causes of insecurity, religious communities will remain at risk of these terrible atrocities,” he said