Adeboye and Oyedepo call for increased American backing in fight against terror

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, and David Oyedepo, the Presiding Bishop of Winners’ Chapel, are urging the United States to bolster its support for Nigeria's efforts to combat terrorism, citing the country's precarious security situation. They made this plea at the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala, held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., on June 23.

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Adeboye and Oyedepo's comments were conveyed through a press release signed by Stephen Osemwegie, President of Save Nigeria Group USA, highlighting the need for intensified international cooperation to address Nigeria's insecurity challenges.

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Adeboye appealed to the United States and its allies to increase their support for Nigeria, emphasizing that divine intervention is the only solution to the country's problems, and encouraged the international community to use its influence to help Nigeria.

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In his remarks, Adeboye expressed gratitude for U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on terrorism, saying "Thank God for Trump, he means business," although he noted that he does not agree with all of Trump's positions.

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David Oyedepo, in a keynote address delivered on his behalf, described Nigeria as being "virtually at the brink of collapse" due to relentless terrorist attacks and violence, and expressed support for proposed U.S. legislation aimed at strengthening accountability for terrorism-related atrocities in Nigeria.

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Oyedepo's address painted a grim picture of the situation in Nigeria, with the cleric stating "My heart bleeds" as he expressed his concerns about the country's security situation.

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Former U.S. Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, cautioned that Nigeria risks descending into violent civil unrest if urgent measures are not taken to address its security challenges, warning "Nigeria is at a fork in the road, address this insecurity or face violent civil unrest."

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Human rights advocate Dr. Katrina Swett called for increased U.S. involvement in protecting religious freedom and supporting victims of extremist violence, noting "The future is in the hands of Nigerians, but America has powerful leverage to do more."

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Stephen Osemwegie, President of Save Nigeria Group USA, urged the U.S. Congress to pass the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act, which would strengthen accountability for terrorism-related crimes.

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The 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala, themed "Thank You, America," marked the culmination of a week-long advocacy campaign that included engagements with U.S. lawmakers aimed at boosting international cooperation against terrorism.

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The event also saw U.S. President Donald Trump being honoured with the 2026 Faith Defender Award, in recognition of his administration's commitment to promoting religious freedom and combating terrorism globally.