At the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala in Washington, D.C., two of Nigeria’s most prominent clerics — Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Bishop David Oyedepo, Presiding Bishop of Winners’ Chapel — called for intensified United States support in tackling terrorism in Nigeria.

Adeboye urged America and its allies to “help us more,” stressing that insecurity has pushed Nigeria to the brink. He commended U.S. President Donald Trump’s tough stance against terrorism, though he noted he does not agree with all of Trump’s positions.

Oyedepo, in a keynote address delivered on his behalf, described Nigeria as “virtually at the brink of collapse” due to unrelenting terrorist attacks. He expressed support for proposed U.S. legislation aimed at strengthening accountability for terrorism‑related atrocities in Nigeria.

Other voices at the event included:

• Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large for International Religious Freedom, who warned Nigeria risks violent civil unrest if insecurity is not urgently addressed.
• Dr Katrina Swett, a human rights advocate, who called for increased U.S. involvement in protecting religious freedom and supporting victims of extremist violence.
• Stephen Osemwegie, President of Save Nigeria Group USA, who urged Congress to pass the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act.

The gala, themed “Thank You, America”, capped a week‑long advocacy campaign with U.S. lawmakers. President Trump was honoured with the 2026 Faith Defender Award for his administration’s commitment to promoting religious freedom and combating terrorism globally.