Nigeria has hired a lobbying firm in a bid to convince US officials that Christians are being protected in the country.
Upwards of £6.7m is being paid to a Washington-based group by the Nigerian government, documents submitted to the Department of Justice reveal.
It comes as four Christians were killed as they slept on Monday night, with Donald Trump reiterating his warning of further airstrikes if believers continue to be murdered.
DCI Group has been contracted to assist Nigeria in “communicating its actions to protect Nigerian’s Christian communities,” according to the published contract.
The group is also tasked with “maintaining US support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements.”
Documents state £3.35m has already been paid, with another payment of the same amount expected in six months’ time. A monthly retainer of around £560,000 has also been agreed.
The source of the payment is listed as the "Republic of Nigeria".
President Bola Tinubu is facing continued pressure over attacks on Christians in the country.
On Monday, four Christians were shot dead in their sleep by Fulani herdsmen in Otobi Akpa, Benue state.
Nine other people were also killed and dozens are missing, according to local residents who spoke to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Thirteen Christians were murdered in the same village, in April 2025.
Mr Trump has threatened more airstrikes on Nigeria if Christians continue to be murdered, after ordering strikes on Christmas Day in the northern state of Sokoto.
“I'd love to make it a one-time strike. But if they continue to kill Christians it will be a many-time strike,” the US president told The New York Times last week.
Nigerian officials insist those of all faiths have been attacked, and that security forces remain committed to protecting all citizens.
The country has been ranked the seventh most dangerous country to be a Christian, in the 2026 World Watch List from persecution watchdog Open Doors.