Nigeria’s security challenges have come under fresh international focus after a United States lawmaker raised concerns over religious violence, prompting a swift counter narrative from a former Nigerian minister defending the country’s record.

The issue surfaced on Tuesday in Washington during a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on counterterrorism in Africa, where Senator Ted Cruz alleged that Nigerian officials had been complicit in attacks against Christians. He claimed that thousands had been killed over the years and questioned the effectiveness of the government’s response to insecurity.

Cruz also pointed to what he described as a slow pace of action by authorities despite previous assurances from Nigerian security officials. As part of efforts to push for accountability, he disclosed that he had introduced legislation aimed at holding Nigerian officials responsible for alleged violations tied to religious freedom.

Responding at the same hearing, a senior official from the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs acknowledged ongoing cooperation between both countries. According to the official, Nigeria has taken steps such as restructuring parts of its security architecture, increasing troop deployment, and enhancing counterterrorism prosecutions, although he noted that more progress is expected.

Back in the United Kingdom, former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, rejected claims that violence in Nigeria is driven by religious persecution. Speaking during an engagement with students, he argued that insurgent groups, particularly Boko Haram, have historically targeted more Muslims than Christians, describing the crisis as complex and not rooted in a deliberate campaign against any faith.

The contrasting positions highlight growing international attention on Nigeria’s internal security situation and the narratives shaping it. Analysts say such scrutiny could influence diplomatic relations and policy decisions, even as Nigerian authorities continue to face pressure to demonstrate measurable improvements in tackling violence across affected regions.