Terrorism Has Reached My Doorstep, Pastor Adeboye Pleads US Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has issued a stark warning that terrorism is no longer a distant threat but has arrived at his own doorstep, as he called for a significant escalation of international support to combat the spreading insecurity in Nigeria.

The revered cleric made the emotional appeal while speaking at the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala, held at the Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol. The event, organised by the Save Nigeria Group USA in partnership with the U.S.-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, brought together religious leaders, Nigerian diplomats, human rights advocates, and American policymakers under the theme, “Thank You, America. Please Do More”.

Pastor Adeboye, who attended the gala after leading the RCCG Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas, told the audience that the security crisis has expanded far beyond the regions historically known for terrorist attacks, evolving into a nationwide challenge that now poses a personal concern for him and millions of other Nigerians.

“Terrorism is now at my doorstep. The scale of the challenge has exceeded the capacity of local institutions acting alone,” Pastor Adeboye declared. He urged the United States and other Western nations to deepen their support for Nigeria’s fight against violent extremism, stressing that greater international collaboration is no longer optional but essential.

“The growing insecurity has spread beyond regions; it’s a national challenge that requires greater international collaboration,” he added.

In an emotion-laden address, the RCCG leader noted that terrorism had worsened since the December attacks on terrorist camps in northern Nigeria and warned that without external support, the country might not know peace. He drew a parallel to Isaac Newton’s first law of motion to describe Nigeria as being trapped by what he called a “structure of untouchables”—powerful actors from within who complicate the fight against terror.

“There are certain people in my country that, I regret to say, are untouchable, and only God can deal with them,” he said, adding: “If you want to help us, help us more. No matter who is in office in Nigeria, only God can help us. Use your influence to help us”.

While acknowledging that people of all faiths have suffered, Pastor Adeboye stated that Christians have become the prime targets of many of the killings. He also responded to criticism regarding his previous silence, explaining that he had engaged in “spiritual warfare” rather than escalate tensions.

The event also saw contributions from Bishop David Oyedepo, who described Nigeria as “virtually at the brink of collapse” and welcomed U.S. intervention. Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, echoed the urgency, stating that Nigeria is “at a fork in the road” and must address insecurity or face violent civil unrest.