The Federal Government and a visiting United States congressional delegation led by Congressman Riley Moore are close to finalising a new strategic framework to address insecurity across Nigeria. The talks follow months of tension over claims by some US lawmakers and lobby groups that Christians in Nigeria are facing genocide, an allegation Abuja strongly rejects.
Moore, who has been one of the most vocal critics of Nigeria’s handling of attacks on Christian communities, said the latest meetings in Abuja with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other officials were “productive and positive”. He disclosed that both sides discussed concrete actions which, if fully carried out, could significantly enhance security nationwide.
According to Moore, the emerging framework focuses on strengthening intelligence sharing, improving early warning systems, supporting communities vulnerable to terrorism and farmer herder violence, and tightening accountability for security abuses. He stressed that the goal is to protect all Nigerians regardless of faith, while paying close attention to areas that have suffered repeated attacks on churches and rural settlements.
The Nigerian government has consistently dismissed the label of “Christian genocide”, arguing that the country’s violence is driven by a mix of terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, criminality and climate pressures, not a state sponsored campaign against any religion. Officials maintain that both Muslims and Christians have been victims and insist that such genocide claims oversimplify a complex crisis and damage Nigeria’s international image.
Ribadu, in his own comments, said the engagement with the US delegation focused on counterterrorism, regional stability and deeper security cooperation between Abuja and Washington. He expressed optimism that the dialogue would build greater trust and lead to practical support that strengthens Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits and other armed groups.
Moore, who previously pushed for sanctions and tougher US measures against Nigeria, acknowledged that the federal government showed openness and willingness to work with Washington. He added that while much work remains, things are “moving in the right direction” and that the next step is to translate commitments on paper into action on the ground.
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