Prosper Okoye
Senior members of the United States Congress have submitted a report to the White House outlining findings on insecurity and alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, following months of investigation.
The report was prepared by the US House Committee on Appropriations and the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and formally presented on Monday.
The inquiry was initiated after former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues, directing lawmakers to examine the situation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRiley Moore, who led the investigation, said the findings were based on hearings, consultations with experts and religious leaders, and visits to Nigeria, including trips to camps for internally displaced people in Benue State. The delegation also met Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Moore said the investigation had provided US lawmakers with what he described as a clearer picture of security threats in Nigeria and the challenges facing some communities.
“The report is the result of months of work, including a bipartisan fact-finding mission to Nigeria and consultations with victims and officials,” he said.
Recommendations and Cooperation
According to Moore, the report proposes a range of measures, including closer security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, as well as steps aimed at improving accountability and addressing extremist violence.
Some of the recommendations include a possible bilateral security agreement, targeted sanctions against individuals linked to violence, and increased technical support to Nigerian authorities. The report also calls for broader international cooperation involving partners such as the United Kingdom and France.
Moore said strengthening ties between both countries would be in their mutual interest.
“Together, we must address these pressing security challenges,” he said.
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Nigerian Context
Nigeria has faced years of insecurity, including attacks by armed groups in different parts of the country. The government has repeatedly said it is working to tackle violence affecting communities of different backgrounds.
It is not yet clear how the White House will respond to the report or whether its recommendations will be adopted.
The submission marks the latest development in ongoing US engagement with Nigeria over security and human rights concerns.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
