WASHINGTON: The United state congress has submitted a comprehensive report to the White House detailing findings on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, alongside recommendations that include sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals accused of involvement in religious violence.
The report was presented on Monday by members of the US House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs following the decision of former US President Donald Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues.
The investigation was led by US Congressman Riley Moore in collaboration with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Tom Cole, after directives to examine reported attacks on Christian communities and the broader security situation in Nigeria.
Moore confirmed the submission of the report in a statement shared via his official X account, noting that the findings followed months of investigations and consultations.
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As part of the inquiry, Moore headed a bipartisan congressional delegation on a fact-finding visit to Nigeria, where members visited Internally Displaced Persons camps in Benue State, interacted with victims of terrorism and held meetings with Nigerian government officials led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Moore, the report was compiled from expert testimonies, congressional hearings, roundtable discussions, field assessments carried out by bipartisan delegations, and consultations with religious leaders and displaced communities affected by violent attacks.
He stated that the investigation provided US lawmakers with what he described as a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges and the alleged targeting of Christian populations.
The report proposed the establishment of a bilateral security agreement between the United States and Nigeria aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling extremist networks operating within the region.
It also recommended withholding certain US financial assistance pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to curb violence and improve protection for affected populations.
Other recommendations include the imposition of targeted sanctions and visa bans on individuals or groups found to be complicit in religious persecution, as well as technical and intelligence support to assist Nigeria in tackling armed groups, including suspected militant factions linked to Fulani militias.
Morealso, the report called for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy-related laws considered by the committee as contributing to religious tensions, while urging cooperation with international partners such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom to address insecurity.
Moore urged Nigerian authorities to view the report as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation with the United States, stressing that addressing insecurity and religious violence would serve the interests of both nations.
He noted that sustained collaboration between both countries remains critical to combating terrorism, stabilizing affected regions and ensuring the protection of vulnerable communities.
The submission marks a significant development in US–Nigeria relations, as Washington evaluates further diplomatic and policy responses to Nigeria’s evolving security and human rights situation.
