United States Congressman Bill Huizenga has criticized Nigeria’s handling of ongoing violence against Christians, urging Washington to impose economic sanctions rather than consider military intervention.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Arise News in Washington, DC, Huizenga expressed disappointment over what he described as the Nigerian government’s “dismissive and insufficient” response to worsening insecurity.
Huizenga, a strong supporter of President Donald Trump’s push to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” said he was “shocked” by Trump’s recent suggestion that the U.S. could invade Nigeria. However, he agreed that Christian persecution in Africa’s most populous nation had reached alarming levels and needed urgent international attention.
The lawmaker, speaking at the Rayburn House Office Building, warned that Nigeria could face a humanitarian crisis similar to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide or South Sudan’s civil conflict if swift action is not taken. “We were too late on Rwanda, we were too late on South Sudan… let’s not be too late again on this one,” Huizenga said, stressing the need for early intervention through diplomacy and sanctions.
Huizenga highlighted repeated attacks by armed groups identified as Fulani militants and radicalized Islamists, describing the assaults as systematic and targeted. He said victims, including both Christians and moderate Muslims, reported feeling “very much targeted” in their communities and called for accountability from Nigerian authorities.
Reacting to Trump’s viral remarks that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Huizenga made clear that he does not foresee a U.S. military move. “I don’t envision a surprise attack or a military response,” he said. “Economic pressure and sanctions on individuals and organisations would be more effective.”
The Congressman revealed that the ongoing U.S. government shutdown had slowed legislative activities but confirmed plans to push for hearings once Congress resumes full operations. He explained that sanctions would “cut off the flow of money and travel,” disrupting funding networks that sustain extremist groups.
Huizenga said Nigeria’s leadership must “demonstrate what they are doing to protect not just Christians but all citizens,” warning that inaction threatens both the country’s economy and investor confidence. “When you can’t guarantee the safety of workers or businesses, you have a problem,” he said. “It’s in Nigeria’s best interest to address the root causes of this violence.”
He concluded that frustration with Nigeria’s response has prompted new resolutions in the U.S. Congress aimed at holding the government accountable. “Their response has been, ‘there’s really not a problem.’ Well, I think there is,” he said, urging the international community not to “look away” as violence persists.