A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has disclosed that the US and Nigeria are close to finalising a strategic security framework aimed at tackling terrorism and violent extremism across parts of the country.
Moore made the disclosure in a post on X on Sunday, following a fact-finding mission to Nigeria. According to him, the proposed agreement will focus on combating extremist groups operating in the North-East and Middle Belt regions, while also addressing the persistent killings of Christians in affected communities.
The US lawmaker said the mission exposed him to the severe humanitarian impact of violent extremism, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where civilians continue to suffer deadly attacks.
Moore, who led a delegation of US Congressmen on the visit, held meetings with key Nigerian government officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi. He also engaged with religious and traditional leaders in Benue and Plateau states, as well as the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia.
Expressing optimism over the discussions, Moore said the engagements with Nigerian authorities were productive and signalled progress toward a coordinated security approach.
“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 radical Fulani Muslims in the Middle Belt,” he stated.
Moore further revealed that he would submit a detailed report of the mission to former US President Donald Trump, outlining possible strategies for collaboration with Nigeria to curb violent extremism and halt the killing of Christians.
“The report that I will present to the President will outline paths to work with the Nigerian government to end the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said.
He recounted disturbing testimonies from victims he met during the visit, describing the experience as heartbreaking.
“I met a woman who watched all five of her children murdered in front of her. Another woman lost her husband and two daughters, and her unborn child was also killed,” Moore said.
Recall that the Nigerian government recently opened discussions with US authorities following Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern over the killing of Christians. The move came amid threats of possible military action against extremist groups if decisive steps were not taken to curb the violence.
In response, a Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser travelled to the United States to present the government’s position on the security challenges facing the country.
Since then, the Federal Government has rolled out several measures to tackle insecurity, including declaring a state of emergency on insecurity, establishing a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, and appointing General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, among other initiatives.
The proposed US–Nigeria security framework is expected to strengthen cooperation and enhance efforts to restore peace and protect lives in conflict-affected regions.
