Nigeria

Christian oppression in Nigeria, Iran intensifies, report finds

Nigeria, Iran draw special focus of ICC in Global Persecution Index

Quinton Amundson · July 27, 2026

International Christian Concern’s (ICC) 2026 Global Persecution Index spotlights intensifying oppression and execution of Jesus’ disciples in Nigeria and Iran.

Cardinal warns against 'quick-fix' airstrikes as Nigerian bishops meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome

Courtney Mares · March 11, 2026

Praying at the tombs of the Apostles in Rome, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke said he laid down "the joys, pains and hopes" of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

Religious freedom watchdog annual report spotlights 'terrifying crisis of religious violence' in Nigeria

Kate Scanlon · March 5, 2026

Nigeria is facing "a terrifying crisis of religious violence," the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said in its 2026 annual report, released March 4.

Sisters who manage school of kidnapped Nigerian children: 'Your compassion became a lifeline'

Paul Samasumo · January 6, 2026

Following the liberation of all the children and staff abducted from St. Mary's School in the Nigerian town of Papiri, the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, who manage the school, have expressed deep gratitude for the support received during the trying period.

U.S. strikes are freeing Christians from bondage, Nigerians say

Nigerian clergy mostly welcome Christmas Day attacks on Islamic State groups

Quinton Amundson · December 27, 2025

Nigerian Catholic priest Fr. Oliver Ortese characterized the U.S. military airstrikes on Islamic State terrorist targets in Sokoto state on Christmas Day as “Christians being freed from bondage.”

US strikes Nigeria targeting Islamic extremists to 'stop the slaughtering of Christians,' says Trump

Gina Christian · December 25, 2025

The U.S. has carried out a deadly Dec. 25 strike in northwestern Nigeria, with President Donald Trump stating the attack targeted Islamic State group terrorists who persecuted Christians in that nation.

All children kidnapped from Nigeria Catholic school will be home for Christmas

Fredrick Nzwili · December 23, 2025

Catholics in northwestern Nigeria are celebrating just days before Christmas, as the last group of students kidnapped from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri has been freed.

Nigerian atrocities can't be met by Canadian silence, pastor says

Quinton Amundson · December 1, 2025

Despite the veil of silence surrounding the longtime persecution of Christians in Nigeria lifting in recent weeks, oppressive bandits and militant groups continue their rampage of terror.

Pope Leo urges 'immediately release' of kidnapped children and teachers after gunmen abduct over 300 in a Nigerian Catholic school

Ngala Killian Chimton · November 24, 2025

During the Nov. 23 Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV appealed for the release of over 300 children and teachers abducted from a Catholic school in central Nigeria.

Diocese in Nigeria mourns following death of kidnapped teen seminarian

Junno Arocho Esteves · November 7, 2025

The Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria, announced the death of a young seminarian who, along with two fellow seminarians, was kidnapped by bandits in July.