By Seyi Gesinde
June 24, 2026
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has called on the United States and the international community to intensify support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, warning that the country’s worsening security crisis has spread beyond Northern Nigeria and now demands stronger global action.
Adeboye made the appeal while receiving the Patriarchs of Faith Award, alongside his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, at the inaugural U.S., Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by Save Nigeria Group USA and the U.S., Nigeria Civil Society Coalition at the Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol.
The historic event, held under the theme, “Thank You, America. Please Do More,” brought together global clergy, policymakers, diplomats, human rights advocates and community leaders to honour champions of religious freedom, human rights and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and religious persecution.
Addressing the gathering, Adeboye delivered one of his strongest international appeals yet for increased support to Nigeria.
“Terrorism is now at my doorstep,” he said.
He noted that the Redeemed Christian Church of God has more than 8,000 parishes across Northern Nigeria, where many communities continue to endure terrorist attacks and insecurity.
Making a direct appeal to the United States, he said, “If you want to help us, please go ahead and do it. The situation has never been more dire. What began in parts of Northern Nigeria is now spreading into other regions of the country.”
Adeboye further urged the United States and its allies to deploy their influence in helping Nigeria overcome terrorism.
“Help Nigeria defeat terrorists. If you want to help us, help us more. Use your influence to help us.”
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One of the evening’s highest honours was the presentation of the Faith Defender 2026 Award to President Donald J. Trump, in absentia, in recognition of what organisers described as his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, counterterrorism efforts and strategic security partnership with Nigeria through the U.S. Africa Command, AFRICOM.
According to the organisers, President Trump’s administration contributed significantly to regional security through support for counterterrorism operations targeting ISIS affiliated terrorist networks in Nigeria and broader security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.
President of Save Nigeria Group USA and Convener of the U.S., Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, Stephen Osemwegie, described terrorism in Nigeria and the wider West African region as a global security challenge.
“The crisis in Nigeria and across the West African sub region is not merely a local problem. These terrorist groups are globally armed, supported, and financed. We need a coalition of freedom loving nations, led by the United States and its allies, to confront and defeat this threat,” he said.
He warned that Nigeria’s strategic position made its security critical to global stability.
“Nigeria sits at a critical geopolitical crossroads. If Nigeria fails, the consequences will be felt across Africa, Europe, the United States, and beyond.”
The gala featured the presentation of several awards recognising outstanding contributions to religious liberty, public service, humanitarian work and advocacy.
Congressman Christopher Smith received the Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of unwavering advocacy on behalf of persecuted communities across the world.
The late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was posthumously honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her longstanding support for Nigeria and her advocacy for vulnerable and persecuted populations.
Congressman Riley Moore was honoured for his leadership and support of legislative initiatives aimed at addressing religious persecution and insecurity in Nigeria.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye received the Patriarchs of Faith Award for their extraordinary contributions to the global Christian faith and humanitarian service.
Bishop David Oyedepo, Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also received the Patriarchs of Faith Award. Represented by Pastor Deji Akin, he delivered a written message urging stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism and provide greater support for vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
The evening also celebrated individuals recognised for their courage in advancing faith, advocacy and truth.
Honourees included Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Prophet Isa El Buba and veteran journalist and former presidential spokesman, Pastor Laolu Akande, host of Inside Sources on Channels Television, recognised with the 2026 Voice of Truth Award, for his commitment to factual, courageous and principled reporting, particularly on issues relating to religious freedom, insecurity and human rights.
In one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments, the coalition paid tribute to Leah Sharibu, renewing international calls for her immediate and unconditional release after years in captivity for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
The coalition also honoured the Nigerian Armed Forces with the Guardian of Peace and Sacrifice Award, recognising the courage, sacrifice and dedication of military personnel serving on the frontlines against terrorism and insurgency.
The award was accepted on behalf of the Armed Forces by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented at the event by Commander Orlando Bahaushe.
Representing the Government of Nigeria, Ambassador Nuradeen Alliyu Biu, on behalf of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Lateef Kayode Are (Rtd.), reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United States in combating terrorism and deepening bilateral relations.
He said the Nigerian Government remained committed to consolidating recent security gains through sustained cooperation with the United States and other international partners.
Delivering keynote addresses, Ambassador Sam Brownback and Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, Co Chairs of the International Religious Freedom Summit, underscored the urgency of confronting religious persecution and insecurity in Nigeria and across the wider West African region.
Brownback warned of the far reaching consequences of inaction and called on governments, faith leaders, civil society organisations and international institutions to work together to confront violent extremism and terrorism.
Save Nigeria Group USA expressed appreciation to elected officials, diplomats, clergy, sponsors, media organisations and guests for supporting what it described as a landmark event dedicated to promoting religious freedom, human dignity and justice.
Closing the event, Osemwegie reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to making the U.S., Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala an annual platform for recognising champions of religious freedom while mobilising global support against terrorism and religious persecution.
“This evening is more than an awards ceremony. It is a call to conscience. We will continue to stand with the persecuted, amplify the voices of victims, and advocate for lasting peace, security, and freedom for all Nigerians,” he said.
