US, Nigeria Near Agreement on Strategic Security Framework to Tackle Terrorism and Attacks on Christians – Riley Moore

US Congressman Riley Moore has revealed that the United States and Nigeria are close to finalising a strategic security framework aimed at combating terrorism and ending attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

In a post on X on Sunday, Moore said the framework will focus on tackling extremist groups in the North-East and Middle Belt regions. His remarks followed a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, where he witnessed the devastating effects of violent extremism on civilians in Benue and Plateau states.

Moore led a delegation of US Congress members and met with Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi. He also held discussions with religious and traditional leaders in Benue and Plateau states, as well as Governor Hyacinth Alia.

“We did have positive conversations with the Nigerian government, and I believe we are close to a strategic security framework to address both the ISIS and Boko Haram threat in the Northeast, as well as the genocide against Christians by the radical Fulani Muslims in the Middle Belt,” Moore said.

He added that the report he will present to President Donald Trump will outline steps to end violent extremism and the targeting of Christians: “The report that I will present @POTUS outlines paths to work with the Nigerian government to end the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Moore also recounted the harrowing stories of some victims he met during his visit: “What I witnessed during my trip to Nigeria was heartbreaking. I met a woman who witnessed all five of her children murdered in front of her. Another woman lost her husband and two daughters and had her unborn child killed.”

The fact-finding mission follows Nigeria’s dialogue with the US after Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to the killing of Christians, warning of possible military action against Fulani extremists if the government failed to act.

In response, Nigeria has declared a state of emergency on insecurity, established a US-Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, and appointed Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, among other measures to address the rising threats.

Opinion Nigeria News