Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has formally presented a report alleging widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria to former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, drawing renewed international attention to Nigeria’s complex security and religious freedom challenges. Moore, a Republican representative from West Virginia, reportedly submitted the document during a visit to the White House, urging renewed U.S. scrutiny of violence affecting Christian communities in parts of Nigeria. According to statements attributed to the congressman, the report details patterns of killings, abductions, and displacement, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions, where armed groups have been active for years. The development comes amid longstanding debates within U.S. foreign policy circles over whether Nigeria should be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. Nigeria was placed on the CPC list in 2020 during the Trump administration but was later removed from the designation in 2021 under President Joe Biden, a move that sparked criticism from some advocacy groups and U.S. lawmakers.Nigeria’s Security Crisis: Complex and multi-dimensional Nigeria continues to grapple with a multifaceted security crisis involving insurgency, banditry, communal violence, and criminal kidnappings. Armed groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have carried out attacks in the North-East, while bandit networks and communal clashes have intensified insecurity in the North-West and Middle Belt.While some international advocacy organizations describe a pattern of targeted violence against Christians, Nigerian authorities maintain that much of the violence is driven by competition over land, resources, and longstanding ethnic tensions rather than solely religious motivations. The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims that it tolerates or supports religious persecution, emphasizing its constitutional commitment to religious freedom and its ongoing military operations against insurgent and criminal groups. International reactions and media coverage international media outlets, including Reuters, BBC News, and Al Jazeera, have extensively reported on Nigeria’s security challenges, documenting attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities across affected regions. Human rights organizations have also published assessments highlighting the humanitarian toll of violence, including mass displacement and civilian casualties. The submission of Moore’s report is likely to intensify policy discussions in Washington regarding U.S.–Nigeria relations, security cooperation, and the broader question of religious freedom in Africa’s most populous nation. Diplomatic and strategic implications Nigeria remains a key U.S. partner in West Africa, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and regional stability initiatives. Analysts note that any renewed push to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern could carry diplomatic consequences, potentially affecting security assistance and bilateral cooperation. At the same time, advocacy groups argue that sustained international engagement is necessary to protect vulnerable communities and ensure accountability for violence. As of press time, there has been no official public response from the Nigerian presidency specifically addressing Moore’s submission to Trump. However, Nigerian officials have consistently maintained that security operations are ongoing and that the government is committed to safeguarding all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity. The issue underscores the delicate intersection of religion, politics, and security in Nigeria — and its growing resonance in international policymaking circles. Sources: Reuters; BBC News; Al Jazeera; U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF); Official statements from the Office of Rep. Riley Moore.
Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.
About The Author
Share this:
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
