A U.S. senator recently accused the Federal Government of enabling a "massacre" against the Christian population, claiming that no country persecutes Christians more than Nigeria. According to the senator, extremist groups have killed over 50,000 Christians since 2009 and destroyed thousands of churches and schools.
The campaign has been linked to a group called the United States of Biafra, which includes exiled and homeland factions. Under U.S. law, foreign political actors must register their influence efforts for transparency. The filings suggest that diaspora-driven separatist advocacy is being organized, funded, and framed as a foreign policy issue in the U.S.
Representatives of these groups have signed a joint declaration asserting that Nigeria is engaged in a "genocidal onslaught" against Biafrans and Christians. One key figure involved has since been jailed in Finland on charges including terrorism-related offenses. Other signatories include individuals listed as officials in the movement.
The group’s messaging targets American political audiences, particularly conservative circles, arguing that supporting Biafra would counter Chinese influence in Africa and protect Christians. Their activities include leadership coordination, fundraising, and humanitarian efforts.
The filings suggest a structured effort to build political legitimacy abroad rather than within Nigeria. They include ideological statements citing historical grievances, political exclusion, and cultural conflict. The movement claims to have declared independence after an internal vote, designating a jailed figure as the transition coordinator.
Security analysts warn that framing such campaigns around religious persecution and genocide risks inflaming ethnic tensions in Nigeria and shaping international perceptions based on selective narratives. A former official noted that genocide accusations could harm Nigeria’s global reputation and diplomatic relations.