MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 26, 2026 /Christian Newswire/ — The Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN USA) issues this statement to draw urgent attention to the continuing humanitarian and religious freedom crisis facing Nigerian Christian refugees displaced by terrorism and mass atrocities, particularly those currently residing in refugee camps in Cameroon:

Humanitarian and Refugee Protection Concerns

According to CANAN USA’s situation assessment, a limited number of Nigerian refugees have been resettled from Cameroonian refugee camps to third countries as follows:

● United States: 97 individuals

● Canada: 106 individuals

● France: 125 individuals

● Italy: 7 individuals (educational placements)

At present, the Cameroon refugee camp population stands at approximately 58,327 persons, with community leaders from Gwoza reporting that an estimated 99 percent of the camp population identifies as Christian, having fled targeted violence, terrorism, and the destruction of their communities in northeastern Nigeria.

Despite the scale of displacement and vulnerability, the United States resettled fewer than 100 refugees, while allied nations admitted significantly higher numbers.

Abrupt Suspension of Resettlement Processing

CANAN USA is deeply concerned that many Nigerian refugees had already undergone security screening and were approved for resettlement to the United States, only for the program to be abruptly terminated, leaving approved families stranded in prolonged displacement for the New Year.

This outcome is inconsistent with long-standing U.S. commitments to refugee protection, humanitarian leadership, and the advancement of international religious freedom, principles repeatedly affirmed by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

Policy Inconsistencies and Disparate Treatment

CANAN USA notes with concern the apparent disconnect between problem identification and policy response in current refugee and humanitarian frameworks.

While limited refugee pathways have been prioritized elsewhere, Nigerian Christians fleeing sustained violence remain largely excluded, despite the scale and severity of attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northeastern regions.

By comparison:

● Fewer than 2,000 white farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1990.

● More than 2,000 Christian farmers were killed in Benue State alone within the past two years—one state out of Nigeria’s 36.

This disparity raises serious questions about equitable application of humanitarian protection standards, particularly where religious identity intersects with patterns of violence.

Military and counterterrorism measures, while important, cannot substitute for durable humanitarian solutions for women, children, and families awaiting refuge and protection.

CANAN USA Policy Recommendations

Consistent with U.S. State Department and USCIRF frameworks on religious freedom, civilian protection, and durable solutions, CANAN USA respectfully urges the United States Government to:

1. Increase the U.S. refugee admissions ceiling beyond 7,500, consistent with global displacement realities.

2. Include Nigerian refugees in Cameroon within U.S. resettlement priorities, particularly those facing religious persecution.

3. Support rapid and transparent resettlement processing for already screened and approved refugee cases.

4. Grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible Nigerians currently in the United States, recognizing ongoing insecurity.

5. Review and ease visa restrictions on law-abiding Nigerians, ensuring policies are risk-based rather than nationality-based.

6. Coordinate with international partners to expand refugee admissions and burden-sharing.

7. Increase humanitarian assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in North-Central Nigeria, including food security, shelter, education, and trauma care.

8. Strengthen counterterrorism cooperation with Nigeria, emphasizing civilian protection, accountability, and rule of law.

9. Support the reconstruction of devastated communities, including homes, schools, and places of worship.

10. Assist Nigeria in conducting a credible national census of IDPs, to enable evidence-based humanitarian and stabilization planning.

Conclusion

CANAN USA respectfully calls on the United States to exercise principled leadership, targeted engagement, and consistent application of international religious freedom and humanitarian protection standards. Counterterrorism cooperation must translate into measurable improvements in civilian safety, accountability, justice, and long-term stability for all Nigerians—especially those most vulnerable to persecution.

Pastor (Dr.) James Fadel
President, Board of Trustees
Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN USA)

Pastor (Dr.) Banjo Olaniyan
Ag. Executive Director

CANAN USA exists to mobilize Christians, influence policy, and provide humanitarian support to protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria and to uplift Nigerian American communities in the United States. http://www.cananus.org Email Us: info@cananus.org

SOURCE CANAN USA