Adeboye, Oyedepo Urge US to Boost Nigeria's Security

Adeboye and Oyedepo urged the United States to increase support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism
The clerics warned that persistent insecurity is pushing Nigeria toward a critical point
They made the appeal during the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala in Washington, D.C

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, have appealed to the United States to strengthen its support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that the clerics made the appeal during the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala held on June 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., according to a statement issued by the President of Save Nigeria Group USA, Stephen Osemwegie.

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Addressing participants at the event, Adeboye urged the U.S. government and its allies to provide greater assistance in tackling the country’s security challenges, stressing that Nigeria needs stronger international cooperation to overcome the growing threat of terrorism.

Adeboye, Oyedepo Urge US to Boost Nigeria's Security — Adeboye, Oyedepo Urge US to Boost Nigeria’s Security

“If you want to help us, help us more. No matter who is in office in Nigeria, only God can help us. Use your influence to help us,” Adeboye said.

The respected cleric also praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his approach to combating terrorism, saying, “Thank God for Trump. He means business,” while noting that he did not necessarily agree with all of the president’s policies.

In a keynote address delivered on his behalf, Bishop Oyedepo described Nigeria’s security situation as alarming, saying the country was approaching a critical stage because of persistent terrorist attacks and widespread violence.

“My heart bleeds,” he said, expressing support for proposed legislation in the United States aimed at promoting accountability for terrorism-related crimes in Nigeria.

Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, also warned that Nigeria could face serious instability if decisive action is not taken to address insecurity.

“Nigeria is at a fork in the road. Address this insecurity or face violent civil unrest,” Brownback cautioned.

Human rights advocate Dr. Katrina Swett called for increased American engagement in defending religious freedom and supporting victims of extremist violence in Nigeria.

“The future is in the hands of Nigerians, but America has powerful leverage to do more,” she said.

President of Save Nigeria Group USA, Stephen Osemwegie, urged the U.S. Congress to pass the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act, arguing that the proposed legislation would strengthen accountability for terrorism-related offences and help protect vulnerable communities.

The gala, themed “Thank You, America,” concluded a week-long advocacy campaign during which organisers met with U.S. lawmakers to encourage stronger international collaboration in addressing terrorism and religious persecution in Nigeria.

At the event, President Donald Trump received the 2026 Faith Defender Award in recognition of what organisers described as his administration’s commitment to promoting religious freedom and confronting terrorism around the world.

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