The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally delivered to the White House a wide-ranging report that examines claims of targeted violence against Christian communities in Nigeria and proposes policy responses for Washington and Abuja.
According to Punch, the document follows a directive from Donald Trump after the United States redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues.
The President tasked Riley Moore and Tom Cole with leading an in-depth congressional probe into the security situation and alleged persecution linked to extremist violence.
Announcing the submission, Moore said the report reflects months of inquiry, including field visits, hearings and consultations with stakeholders. A bipartisan congressional delegation travelled to displacement camps in Benue State, engaged victims of attacks, and held discussions with senior Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Moore, the investigative process, which combined expert testimony, policy roundtables, and direct on-site assessments, provided U.S. lawmakers with what he described as a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s evolving security threats and the risks faced by affected religious communities.
He urged Abuja to view the findings as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with Washington on security and counter-terrorism efforts, stressing that stronger bilateral engagement would serve the interests of both countries.
The report outlines a series of recommended measures, including the pursuit of a structured U.S.–Nigeria security framework, targeted accountability mechanisms for perpetrators of violence, and coordinated strategies to counter extremist groups. It also proposes conditional U.S. funding tied to measurable progress on civilian protection, as well as visa restrictions and sanctions against individuals or networks implicated in religious persecution.
Additional recommendations include technical security support for Nigerian authorities to address armed militia violence and expanded international collaboration involving partners such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Moore said the submission marks the culmination of a congressional process launched after Nigeria’s CPC redesignation, noting that lawmakers sought to combine diplomatic pressure with cooperative security initiatives.
He described the report as both a policy roadmap and a call for strengthened bilateral engagement aimed at curbing extremist violence and improving civilian protection across Nigeria.
Washington Sends Major Findings on Christian Persecution in Nigeria to White House
