Secretary Waltz credits U.N. and high-profile attention for spurring Nigerian cooperation

In response to Representative Smith, Secretary Waltz said international attention — including action by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and high-profile advocacy — helped spur the Nigerian government to increase cooperation. Waltz said he welcomed that focus and singled out the global spotlight as influential: “I did not have Nicki Minaj on my dance card, but to have her with her global following at the U.N. to put a spotlight on this issue was a real honor,” he said.

Waltz said that Nigeria is cooperating more than before on counterterrorism and that the government has improved security-force capacity, but cautioned that work remains. He cited the persistence of local Sharia law in some provinces and said abuses sometimes involve local vendors paid by the U.N.; he also warned that "churches are being burned, pastors are being executed, people are being arrested literally for just wearing a cross around their neck." He said the administration is treating the matter with seriousness in its engagements.