Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
The United States Congress is urging the Trump administration to pursue a formal bilateral agreement with Nigeria aimed at addressing religiously motivated violence and strengthening protections for vulnerable communities, particularly Christians affected by insecurity in parts of the country. The call follows renewed concerns among some U.S. lawmakers over persistent attacks by armed groups operating in northern and central Nigeria, including bandits, extremist factions, and communal militias. Members of Congress have argued that a structured U.S.–Nigeria pact could enhance intelligence sharing, counterterrorism cooperation, humanitarian support, and accountability mechanisms. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of the United States’ key strategic partners on the continent, has grappled for over a decade with complex security challenges. These include insurgency linked to Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as farmer–herder clashes and criminal banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions. While advocacy groups in the U.S. have framed the violence as targeted persecution of Christians, Nigerian authorities have consistently described the crisis as multifaceted—driven by terrorism, resource competition, weak local governance, and criminality that affects both Christian and Muslim communities. According to reporting by Reuters, several U.S. lawmakers have called for stronger diplomatic and security engagement with Abuja, including potential conditions tied to security assistance. BBC News and Al Jazeera have also documented the scale of violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where intercommunal tensions have led to significant casualties and displacement over the years. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has repeatedly recommended that Nigeria be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom violations. However, the U.S. State Department has taken varying positions in recent years, reflecting diplomatic sensitivities and Nigeria’s role as a regional security partner. Security analysts caution that framing Nigeria’s crisis solely through a religious lens risks oversimplifying deeply rooted socio-economic and environmental drivers of conflict. The Middle Belt region, in particular, has long experienced disputes over land use, grazing routes, and political representation—factors exacerbated by climate change and rapid population growth. For Nigeria, any proposed bilateral pact would need to align with national sovereignty, existing security frameworks, and regional commitments under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Abuja has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and protecting all citizens regardless of faith. The debate in Washington comes at a critical time for U.S.–Africa relations, as global powers intensify competition for influence across the continent. Lawmakers advocating a formal pact argue that stronger collaboration with Nigeria could not only protect vulnerable populations but also counter extremist networks and foreign interference. As discussions continue, the central question remains whether a bilateral agreement can effectively address Nigeria’s complex security landscape without deepening political sensitivities or oversimplifying the root causes of violence. Sources: Reuters; BBC News; Al Jazeera; U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reports; U.S. State Department briefings.
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.
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