By Olayinka Latona

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, have called for stronger international action to address Nigeria’s security crisis, while commending United States President Donald Trump for recent military strikes on terrorist camps in northern Nigeria.

The two clerics made the call at the US Nigeria Faith Heroes Award 2026, held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., under the theme, “Thank You America: Please Do More.” The event honoured President Trump, members of the U.S. Congress and other advocates of religious freedom.

Adeboye, who received the Patriarch of Faith Honour, said insecurity had worsened despite recent military actions, noting that terrorism had spread from northern Nigeria to the South.

“Things are far, far worse. The terrorism and kidnapping that were once confined to the North are now at my doorstep in the South,” he said.

He appealed to the United States and its allies to intensify diplomatic and other forms of support to help Nigeria combat terrorism.

“If you want to help us, help us more. Use your influence. We need help, preferably not by force, because I don’t even want a Muslim to die—they are my potential brothers,” Adeboye said.

The cleric warned that growing frustration among younger Christians could fuel tensions if the security situation persists, stressing the need for urgent intervention.

He recalled that Christians and Muslims once coexisted peacefully in many parts of Nigeria and expressed hope that such harmony could be restored.

“We want Christians and Muslims to live together in peace again,” he said.

Responding to criticisms that he had remained silent over attacks on Christians, Adeboye said he had deliberately chosen what he described as a strategy of “spiritual warfare” to prevent further escalation of violence.

He disclosed that the RCCG operates an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp for victims of terrorist attacks, providing food, education and vocational training, while plans are underway to establish a secondary school for displaced children.

Adeboye also defended President Bola Tinubu against claims that his administration had failed to act against insecurity, arguing that the Commander-in-Chief could only issue directives while implementation rested with the military hierarchy.

“I don’t support those accusing the President of not doing enough. Once the Commander-in-Chief gives instructions, implementation is left to those under him,” he said.

He added that he had previously advised Tinubu to engage with President Trump to demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to tackling terrorism before the reported strikes on terrorist camps.

Describing Trump as a leader who follows through on his promises, Adeboye urged him to sustain international efforts against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.

In his keynote address, Bishop Oyedepo, represented by Rev. Deji Akin, described Nigeria as being “virtually at the brink of collapse” because of persistent insecurity.

He expressed support for the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, currently before the U.S. Congress, which seeks to designate violent groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP and certain armed militias, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

Oyedepo cited reports indicating that thousands of Christians had been killed and churches destroyed in Nigeria over the years, warning that the country’s security situation required urgent international attention.

“The happenings in our country today call for urgent action from all stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to prevent a situation of total anarchy,” he said.

Earlier, President of Save Nigeria Group USA and Convener of the US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, Stephen Osemwegie, urged the U.S. Congress to expedite consideration of the proposed legislation, saying stronger international measures were needed to dismantle terrorist networks operating in Nigeria.

The event also honoured several individuals for their contributions to religious freedom and humanitarian advocacy, including Leah Sharibu, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo and Prophet Isa El-Buba.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria received the Guardian of Peace and Sacrifice Award in recognition of the service and sacrifice of fallen soldiers in the fight against insecurity. The award was accepted on behalf of the Minister of Defence.