Defending the Rights and Safety of Nigerian Christians
Deuteronomy 28:7: “The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.”
Mission and Core Objectives
SAVE NIGERIAN CHRISTIANS is established strictly for the advancement of religious, charitable, and social development purposes in Nigeria.
The primary objectives of the Association are focused on defence, justice, and advocacy:
Defend Rights: To promote, protect, and defend the fundamental human rights of Nigerian Christians. This includes the rights to life, dignity of the human person, and freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Protect the Vulnerable: To defend Nigerian Christians who are at risk of genocide and who are being persecuted by Islamic terrorists in Nigeria.
Seek Justice: To avenge the death of Christian martyrs in Nigeria by bringing the sponsors and perpetrators of genocide and mass atrocities to justice. This is pursued through national and international legal mechanisms.
Take Lawful Action: To take action within lawful means (justifiable, necessary, reasonable, and proportionate) against any form of attack, violence, and threat targeting Christian communities and individuals.
Background and The Crisis
The organisation was founded in response to theextreme and escalating violence faced by Christians in Nigeria, which numerous international and local organisations report has reached crisis levels.
The Threat Environment
Perpetrators: Targeted attacks are primarily carried out by jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic StateWest Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as armed Fulani militias.
Scale of Violence: Nigeria is frequently cited as the deadliest country for Christians globally.
Since 2009, tens of thousands of Christians have reportedly been murdered.
Over 18,000 Christian churches and 2,200 Christian schools have reportedly been destroyed.
Impact: Christians are subject to massacres, killings, abductions (including priests and clergy), and sexual violence.
Millions of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, including many Nigerians, have been driven from their homes and live in displacement camps.
Groups like Genocide Watch have classified Nigeria as being at the later stages of genocide due to the systematic nature of the massacres and the government’s perceived failure to act.
Strategy and Methodology
SAVE NIGERIAN CHRISTIANS is committed to a non-political, non-violent, and legally-focused approachto defence and advocacy. The organisation’s activities are centred on promoting human rights and providing relief through justifiable, necessary, reasonable, and proportionate means.
Legal Advocacy: Providing support for legal defence, opposing unjust laws (such as blasphemy laws), and advocating for religious freedom and justice for victims at national and international levels.
Defence and Protection: Mobilising resources and lawful means to protect vulnerable Christian communities from imminent threats.
Charitable Relief: Engaging in charitable and social development projects to assist displaced, traumatised, and bereaved individuals and families in affected communities. This includes providing emergency aid, shelter, and support for rebuilding livelihoods.
Awareness and Mobilisation: Raising global awareness of the crisis and coordinating efforts with other international and local bodies that share similar humanitarian goals.
SAVE NIGERIAN CHRISTIANS is committed to safeguarding faith communities by advocating for human rights, providing legal aid, and raising awareness of critical challenges facing Nigerian Christians.
In 2025, the crisis facing Nigerian Christians reached a pivotal moment. While violence escalated—marked by the tragic abduction of Fr. Bobbo Paschal and 25 schoolgirls just this week—our collective advocacy achieved a historic breakthrough. On November 3, 2025, the U.S. government officially redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a critical step toward international accountability that we have fought for alongside our partners.
This report outlines how your support has translated into legal victories, life-saving technology, and spiritual rebuilding for thousands of survivors
2. 2025 by the Numbers
The scale of the crisis vs. the reach of our response.
The Crisis (Jan – Nov 2025)
Our Impact & Response
7,087 Christians killed for their faith.
1,600+ households provided with livelihood reconstruction aid (e.g., farming supplies, shelter).
19,000+ churches and schools destroyed or closed.
Rhoda Jatau fully acquitted after a 2-year legal battle, setting a major precedent.
Millions displaced in the Middle Belt & North.
Starlink-powered early warning systems are deployed to vulnerable villages to signal attacks in real-time.
3. Legal & Advocacy Breakthroughs
Turning the tide in the courts and on the world stage.
Victory for Freedom of Expression (Rhoda Jatau Acquittal):In a landmark victory for religious freedom, Christian mother Rhoda Jatau was fully acquitted in December 2024 after 19 months of unjust imprisonment. She had been charged with “blasphemy” simply for condemning the mob killing of student Deborah Yakubu. Her release is a direct result of sustained legal defense and international pressure, proving that we can defeat unjust laws in the courtroom.
Restoring International Pressure (CPC Designation):Following years of silence, the U.S. Department of State redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on November 3, 2025. This designation acknowledges the government’s failure to stop the “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” persecution of Christians and opens the door for potential sanctions against perpetrators.
4. Stories from the Frontlines
From tragedy to testimony.
The Unbroken Pastor: Zachariah’s StoryIn Mangu, Plateau State, Pastor Zachariah returned home to find his house burned and his wife and son killed by militants. For months, he felt forsaken. However, through SNC-supported trauma counseling, he has found the strength to lead his community again. Today, he preaches a radical message of faith: “I am asking God to forgive our attackers… if we believe He can do all things, then we will not be broken”.
Urgent Prayer Alert: Kebbi & KadunaThe fight continues. As of November 18, 2025, we are mobilizing support for the community of Kushe Gugbu, where Fr. Bobbo Paschal was kidnapped and Fr. Anthony Yero’s brother was murdered. Simultaneously, we are advocating for the 25 schoolgirls abducted from a government school in Kebbi State just yesterday, where the vice principal gave his life trying to protect them.
5. Strategic Innovation: Technology Saves Lives
Modernizing our defense.
Recognising that isolation is the enemy’s greatest weapon, we have begun supporting the installation of Starlink satellite internet terminals in remote Christian villages. Unlike traditional networks which are often cut during attacks, these systems allow communities to send instant distress signals to security forces and neighboring towns, drastically reducing response times and saving lives
6. Global Solidarity: Red Week 2025
This week (Nov 15–23), the world stands with Nigeria. For the first time, the European Parliament has joined over 600 churches globally in lighting up red to symbolize the blood of martyrs. This visibility is vital—it forces world leaders to look at Nigeria and demands action beyond words.
7. Call to Action
The acquittal of Rhoda Jatau proves that justice is possible. The survival of Pastor Zachariah proves that healing is possible. But the abduction of Fr. Bobbo Paschal proves that the danger is present.
We need your help to:
Fund the legal defense of those still imprisoned on false blasphemy charges.
Expand the Starlink Early Warning Network to 50 more villages in the Middle Belt.
Provide emergency medical aid to the victims of this week’s attacks in Kaduna and Kebbi.
Watch the Livestream below from Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku Town, Kwara State, which Captures the Final Moments Before Gun-Wielding Terrorists Struck During a Church Service
This video features Pastor Zachariah personally sharing his story of loss and forgiveness after the attack on his family in Mangu.
Protecting the Rights of Nigerian Christians
SAVE NIGERIAN CHRISTIANS is committed to defending the rights and safety of Nigerian Christians. We advocate against persecution, support human rights, and provide legal and humanitarian aid to affected communities, working tirelessly to promote justice and religious freedom.
This update focuses on Hope and Progress, highlighting the resilience of the communities Save Nigerian Christians (SNC) serves, alongside major legal and political victories achieved in late 2024 and 2025.
1. Stories of Unbreakable Hope
Resilience in the face of persecution
Despite the violence, the primary “progress” is found in the spiritual and physical resilience of the survivors.
“Baby Ruth’s” Miracle: Five years after surviving a Fulani attack that killed her mother, Ruth—now five years old—has become a symbol of hope. Found alive in the mud after the massacre, she is now attending primary school in Jos. Her family, though grieving, testifies to a lack of desire for revenge, focusing instead on forgiveness and the future.
Pastor Zachariah’s Forgiveness: After finding his home burned and his wife and son killed in Mangu, Pastor Zachariah initially felt forsaken. However, through trauma counseling supported by relief partners, he has reached a place of profound peace, stating, “I am asking God to forgive our attackers… if we believe He can do all things then we will not be broken”.
Tabitha’s Resolve: Forced to flee into the mountains where she lost two nephews to disease, Tabitha refused to renounce her faith even when faced with death. She has since returned to her community to rebuild, starting a small farm with two goats to support her remaining family.
2. Tangible Progress: Legal & Political Victories
Advancing SNC’s “Legal Advocacy” Objective
Significant strides have been made in 2025 regarding the legal defense of Christians and holding perpetrators accountable.
Major Policy Shift (CPC Designation): In a critical victory for advocacy groups, the U.S. administration redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) on October 31, 2025. This designation acknowledges the severe violations of religious freedom and opens the door for stronger diplomatic pressure and potential sanctions against persecutors.
Landmark Legal Acquittals:
Rhoda Jatau: After 19 months of imprisonment for condemning the lynching of a Christian student, Rhoda was fully acquitted in December 2024. Her release is a major win against mob violence and the misuse of blasphemy accusations.
“David’s” Freedom: In August 2025, a High Court overturned the wrongful conviction of “David,” a Christian man who had been tortured and imprisoned for helping converts escape violence. The court not only quashed the conviction but also ordered the return of fines he was forced to pay.
ECOWAS Court Ruling: In April 2025, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice delivered a historic judgment declaring that specific blasphemy laws in Kano State violate international human rights standards. This sets a powerful legal precedent for challenging similar laws across Northern Nigeria.
3. Innovation in Protection & Rebuilding
Advancing SNC’s “Defence and Protection” & “Relief” Objectives
Communities are not just rebuilding; they are becoming smarter and more connected.
High-Tech Early Warning Systems: New initiatives in the Middle Belt are utilizing Starlink satellite internet to power real-time early warning systems. These networks allow vulnerable villages to alert security forces and neighboring communities of impending attacks instantly, saving lives that would otherwise be lost to isolation.
Global Solidarity (“Red Week”): In November 2025, the “Red Week” campaign saw hundreds of churches and landmarks globally—including the European Parliament and Westminster—lit in red to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians. This surge in visibility is pressuring international governments to act beyond mere condemnation.
News Updates
Urgent Updates (November 2025)
Current developments highlighting the escalating crisis
While the organization was founded in response to ongoing violence, the situation has intensified significantly in late 2025.
“Country of Particular Concern” Designation: On October 31, 2025, the U.S. administration redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), acknowledging the government’s failure to curb severe violations of religious freedom.
Escalating Violence Statistics:
Casualties: In 2025 alone, reports indicate over 7,000 Christians have been killed for their faith—an average of 35 per day.
Church Destruction: The number of destroyed churches has risen to over 19,000 (up from the 18,000 cited in earlier reports).
Recent Attacks (November 2025):
Clergy Targeted: On November 17, 2025, Fr. Bobbo Paschal was kidnapped and the brother of Fr. Anthony Yero was killed during an attack in Kagarko, Kaduna State.
School Abductions: Also in mid-November 2025, 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi State, continuing the pattern of targeting education.
Heartfelt Stories of Resilience
Personal testimonies of survival and faith amidst persecution
Liatu’s Return: Liatu was only eight when Boko Haram attacked her village. She fled into the bush without shoes and spent four years separated from her family, surviving extreme hunger and exploitation in a refugee context. Though she initially struggled with anger and isolation upon reuniting with her parents, she eventually found healing through faith-based trauma counseling. She now leads youth programs for other displaced children, testifying, “It is Jesus who gives me joy” despite the scars.
Tabitha’s Choice: After militants murdered her husband and the village pastor, Tabitha fled into the mountains with her children. During their escape, she lost two nephews to a cholera outbreak caused by a lack of clean water. When faced with the threat of death if she did not renounce her faith, she resolved, “I would rather die righteously than die in sin.” She has since returned to the ashes of her village to rebuild, standing as a testament that the community cannot be erased.
Essential Resources & Advocacy
Tools for support and legal defense
Legal & Humanitarian Aid:
SNC Legal Defence: Provides support for legal defense and opposes unjust laws, such as blasphemy allegations.
ADF International: Currently supporting high-profile cases, such as the defense of Rhoda Jatau (imprisoned for condemning the lynching of Deborah Yakubu) and challenges to blasphemy laws at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): Offers emergency relief and publishes the “Religious Freedom in the World” report, which classifies Nigeria as “under persecution”.
Immediate Needs for Displaced Christians: SNC and partner bodies are prioritizing:
Livelihood Reconstruction: Helping families rebuild homes and businesses destroyed by militias.
Emergency Aid: Food, shelter, and medical supplies for the millions living in displacement camps.
Defending Faith and Freedom Together
Discover upcoming initiatives and events designed to empower Nigerian Christians and foster solidarity within our community.
Stand Against Persecution Rally
Sep 15, 2024
Human Rights Advocacy Workshop
Nov 09, 2024
Community Relief Fund Launch
Jan 22, 2025
Championing the Rights and Safety of Nigerian Christians
Join us in defending faith and freedom—together, we can make a powerful impact.
