US, Nigeria Near Strategic Security Framework to Combat Terrorism, Christian Killings

The United States and Nigerian governments are reportedly approaching a “significant milestone” in the fight against terrorism, with a strategic security framework expected to be finalised soon, according to U.S. Congressman Riley Moore.

In a post on X on Sunday, Moore said the proposed plan will focus on combating extremist groups in the North-East and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria and specifically aim to end the “genocide against Christians.”

Congressman Moore led a delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, visiting areas severely affected by violent extremism, including Benue and Plateau states. The delegation held meetings with senior Nigerian officials, such as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, and various religious and traditional leaders.

“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.

The U.S. lawmaker highlighted the harrowing experiences of victims he met during the visit. “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,” he said.

Moore confirmed that the detailed report from the mission will be presented to President Donald Trump, outlining ways the U.S. and Nigerian governments can work together to end the atrocities against Christians.

The push for the strategic framework follows Nigeria’s recent designation by President Trump as a “Country of Particular Concern” over Christian killings. The U.S. threatened possible military action against Fulani extremists if the Nigerian government failed to act.

In response, the Nigerian government initiated dialogue, sending a delegation led by NSA Ribadu to the U.S. and implementing measures such as declaring a state of emergency on insecurity, establishing a US-Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, and appointing Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence.