MY ACCOUNT
At a Glance
Christian persecution in Nigeria is an urgent crisis that calls for global attention. You can advocate for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Nigeria in multiple ways, including:
- Keep praying and raise awareness
- Help displaced families and support Christian relief services
- Urge elected officials to prioritize religious freedom and human rights
Christian persecution in Nigeria continues to reach devastating levels. With more than 52,000 Nigerian Christians reportedly killed since 2009, Nigeria is considered the deadliest country for Christians in the world. Attacks on Christian communities, displacement camps, and even churches have become tragically common. Terrorist groups like Boko Haram, Fulani militants, and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) have turned many parts of the country into battlegrounds of targeted violence.
Christianity in Nigeria is vibrant and growing, with an estimated 100 million Christians. However, believers are increasingly vulnerable, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions where Christians and Muslims live side by side. Despite a change in leadership and promises of reform, the government and security forces have yet to offer meaningful protection to these vulnerable communities.
So what can we do? Here are nine ways you can advocate for our persecuted brothers and sisters.
1. Raise Awareness About Persecution in Nigeria
One of the most powerful tools is education. Share stories, statistics, and news about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Let people know that millions of Christians are under threat. As Proverbs 31:8 says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."
Use your voice on social media, in your church, and within your community to highlight the realities of Christian persecution.
We have created a collection of tools to help you share the stories of the persecuted church as an advocate.
2. Support Christian Relief Services in Nigeria
Organizations like Global Christian Relief work tirelessly to bring food, shelter, medical aid, and spiritual support to victims of attacks. Donating to trustworthy Christian ministries helps provide immediate and tangible support to displaced families living in camps.
Look for groups with strong accountability and transparent records, and consider becoming a regular supporter.
3. Pray Without Ceasing
Never underestimate the power of prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to "pray continually." Pray for the millions of Christians facing persecution in Nigeria – for their protection, courage, and provision.
Organize prayer groups focused on Nigeria. Pray specifically for Christian leaders to serve boldly, security forces to act justly, and for terrorist groups to be dismantled.
4. Lobby Political Leaders for Action
Contact your elected officials and urge them to prioritize religious freedom and human rights in their foreign policy. The United States and other nations have the leverage needed to pressure the Nigerian government to better protect Christian communities and hold perpetrators accountable.
Ask your leaders to:
- Increase humanitarian aid to displaced Christians.
- Sanction individuals responsible for persecuting Christians.
5. Host Awareness Events at Your Church
Churches can play a huge role in advocacy. Host a prayer night, a special speaker, or a fundraising event focused on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Create partnerships with missionaries, relief organizations, and Nigerian Christian leaders who can share firsthand experiences. Remember Hebrews 13:3 – "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
This short guide can walk you through how to create a night of prayer in your church.
6. Sponsor a Displaced Christian Family
Millions of Nigerian Christians have been forced into displacement camps, leaving behind their homes, farms, and communities. Some Christian relief services offer sponsorship programs where you can help a displaced family rebuild their lives.
Sponsorship might include providing housing, education for children, access to healthcare, and livelihood training.
7. Share Their Stories
Humanize the crisis by sharing personal stories of persecuted Christians. Real stories have a greater emotional impact than statistics alone. Find testimonies from Christian converts, survivors of church attacks, and displaced believers.
Let the world see their faces, hear their voices, and understand their incredible faith. Revelation 12:11 reminds us: "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
Stay up to date on the latest stories of our courageous brothers and sisters in Christ in the persecuted church on the GCR website.
8. Challenge Misinformation
Too often, media reports blur the lines between religious and ethnic violence in Nigeria. While there are complex factors, many attacks specifically target Christians because of their faith.
Correct misinformation when you see it. Educate others about the religious dimensions of the violence. Be a voice for truth when Christian persecution is downplayed or ignored.
9. Support Missionaries and Indigenous Leaders
Indigenous pastors, evangelists, and Christian leaders are on the frontlines of ministry and relief work in Nigeria. Supporting their efforts strengthens the Church where it’s needed most.
Missionaries risk their lives to spread the Gospel and provide hope to devastated communities. By financially and prayerfully supporting them, you help sustain the long-term work of healing and rebuilding.
Your support through GCR helps strengthen Christians in Nigeria so they can continue to shine as a light in the darkness.
The Bottom Line
Christian persecution in Nigeria is an urgent crisis that calls for global attention. Over and over, we see that Christians have been killed for their faith, simply for refusing to renounce Jesus Christ.
Psalm 34:18 assures us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." As we advocate for Nigerian Christians, let us stand firm in faith, knowing that our efforts can bring hope, healing, and justice to our suffering brothers and sisters.
An urgent window to act. They refuse to hide their faith. Let’s make sure they don't face the fire alone.
Millions of Nigerian believers currently are living in displacement camps, driven from their homes by targeted, violent attacks. Yet their joy and faith in Jesus remain unbroken. Make an eternal impact today by delivering urgent emergency aid, spiritual support, and bold advocacy so the Nigerian church can continue to shine in the darkness.
