The Archbishop of Abuja (Nigeria), Mons. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, has called for greater international involvement—especially from the United States—to address the growing violence against Christians in his country, within a situation that he himself describes as dramatic.
During a meeting held in Madrid on the occasion of the presentation of the “Heal Nigeria” campaign by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the prelate directly asked U.S. President Donald Trump to provide intelligence, equipment, and effective support to combat Islamist groups.
Direct appeal to the United States
Mons. Kaigama acknowledged that Trump was the first international leader to clearly denounce the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, but warned that his subsequent actions have not yielded the expected results.
The archbishop regretted that a one-off intervention, such as the launch of a bomb on Nigerian territory, has not only been insufficient but may have worsened the situation, emboldening terrorist groups like Boko Haram and increasing attacks and kidnappings.
“Give us intelligence, give us weapons, collaborate with our government,” the prelate demanded, also urging Western nations to stop ignoring what is happening in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is bleeding to death”
The archbishop described the country’s situation bluntly: “Nigeria is wounded, destroyed by multiple factors.” As he explained, there is a deliberate strategy by Islamist groups to halt the growth of the Church and evangelization.
This strategy involves sowing fear among the faithful through attacks on Christian communities, bombings during Mass, kidnappings, and constant threats that hinder religious and social life.
The prelate warned that if the situation continues, there is a real risk of weakening the faith and the Christian presence in the country.
Africa, epicenter of Christian growth
The severity of this persecution contrasts with the growing weight of Christianity on the African continent. According to recent data collected in the Pontifical Yearbook, Africa is today the region where the Church is growing the most, with the highest percentage increase in Catholics in the world.
This growth, however, coexists with persistent persecution that directly threatens entire communities.
A persistent and widespread persecution
The gravity of the crisis has also been underscored by Aid to the Church in Need. According to data presented during the event, between 2015 and 2025 more than 200 priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria, with a toll of 12 killed and several who died due to the conditions of captivity.
This violence is compounded by attacks from Islamist groups like Boko Haram, actions by Fulani militias, and criminal gangs dedicated to kidnapping, in a context that has caused more than three million internally displaced persons.
Faith, support, and reconstruction
In the face of this situation, the “Heal Nigeria” campaign promoted by ACN seeks to strengthen the faith of persecuted Christians, address the psychological and spiritual wounds caused by violence, and improve the security of communities.
Among the planned initiatives are the construction of care centers, support for seminaries—especially in dioceses hit by kidnappings—and the implementation of security measures in parishes and rural communities.