Washington Pushes Security Overhaul As Nigeria Rejects ‘Genocide’ Narrative

By ANDERSON CLIFF

US Lawmakers Revive Controversial Persecution Claims

A report presented to the White House by committees of the United States Congress has reignited debate over Nigeria’s security crisis, restating longstanding claims that Christians in the country face targeted persecution.

The document, prepared by members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs, described Nigeria as the “deadliest country to be Christian” and called for expanded security cooperation between Washington and Abuja.

US Republican lawmaker Riley Moore announced the submission of the report, stating that it detailed findings of decades-long religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria.

Allegations and Policy Recommendations

According to the report, Nigerian Christians have faced sustained violent attacks from armed groups, including Fulani militias and terrorist organisations. It alleged that thousands of Christians — including clergy — have been killed, churches destroyed, and individuals kidnapped.

The report also criticised blasphemy laws in some northern Nigerian states, arguing that they are used to suppress dissent and target religious minorities.

In response, the report proposed sweeping measures. These include imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals accused of sponsoring violence, expanding counterterrorism cooperation, and encouraging Nigeria to strengthen disarmament and reintegration programmes.

It also urged the White House to prioritise sanctioning Chinese nationals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Nigeria, linking such operations to terror financing — a claim Beijing has repeatedly denied.

Strategic Reset or Diplomatic Strain?

Beyond sanctions, the report recommended redefining US-Nigeria relations, including reducing Nigeria’s reliance on Russian military equipment in favour of American defence systems.

It also suggested blocking Nigeria’s export of beef and cattle-related products to certain African countries as part of efforts to weaken armed herder networks.

However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of religious genocide, maintaining that the country’s insecurity stems from complex factors such as banditry, insurgency, farmer-herder conflicts, and organised crime affecting citizens across religious and ethnic lines.

Local and international observers have similarly described Nigeria’s violence as multifaceted rather than exclusively religious.

The renewed US congressional position may intensify diplomatic conversations between both nations, particularly as Nigeria remains a key American security partner in West Africa.