By Dennis Okechukwu
A coalition of U.S. and Nigerian civil society organisations has announced plans to hold an urgent congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., to highlight the worsening humanitarian and security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the country’s northeast.
The event, organised by the USA–Nigeria Civil Society Coalition to End the Genocide Against Christians and Other Groups in Nigeria, will take place on March 25, 2026, at Capitol Hill. The organisers say the briefing will focus on rising attacks against vulnerable communities and the broader implications for security and religious freedom in Nigeria.
According to the coalition, communities in several parts of Nigeria—especially Christian communities and other vulnerable groups—have faced persistent attacks from extremist groups and armed militias for years. They added that the violence has intensified in recent months, resulting in significant humanitarian consequences for civilians.
The congressional briefing, titled “The Rape of Ngoshe – Northeast Nigeria: The Genocide Against Christians Rages On,” will feature testimonies from witnesses and survivors from Ngoshe in Borno State. Organisers said the session will also include expert analysis and policy discussions aimed at drawing international attention to the crisis.
Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Participants expected at the briefing include U.S. congressional leaders, administration officials, policy experts, faith leaders, civil society organisations, members of the media and the public.
Organisers said the programme will feature a panel discussion examining religious persecution, security concerns and humanitarian challenges in Nigeria, as well as engagement with U.S. policymakers on possible responses.
The coalition said the briefing is intended to provide policymakers and the American public with firsthand information while encouraging dialogue on how the United States and the international community can support peace, stability and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
The initiative is being coordinated by Stephen Osemwegie, president of Save Nigeria Group USA, on behalf of the broader coalition advocating for increased international attention to the crisis.
Organisers urged stakeholders, policymakers and members of the public to attend the event to help amplify the voices of victims and contribute to discussions on protecting vulnerable communities in Nigeria.