A member of the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has criticised the Nigerian government over the worsening security situation in parts of the country, citing a recent report that highlighted the activities of armed Fulani militants.
Moore’s remarks followed the release of a report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which examined religious freedom concerns and violence affecting communities in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on social media, the American lawmaker said the report raised concerns about attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly in the country’s Middle Belt region. He argued that stronger action was needed to address insecurity and protect affected populations.
According to Moore, the findings support previous recommendations made by members of a U.S. congressional delegation that recently visited Nigeria to assess the security situation and its impact on religious freedom.
The lawmaker also commended the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump for including concerns about attacks on religious communities in its counterterrorism strategy, stressing the need for continued international attention on the issue.
The report further highlighted allegations of increasing violence, displacement of residents, and humanitarian challenges in several states affected by insecurity.
Also commenting on the situation, Henrietta Blyth, Chief Executive Officer of Open Doors, described the experiences of victims and displaced families as deeply troubling, calling for greater efforts to protect vulnerable communities and support those affected by violence.
For several years, attacks in parts of Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, Nasarawa and other states have generated debate among policymakers, security experts and civil society groups over their causes and possible solutions.
While some analysts describe the violence as a combination of criminality, communal conflict and competition over resources, others have called for stronger security measures and greater accountability for armed groups responsible for attacks on civilians.
The latest report is expected to intensify discussions on Nigeria’s security challenges and could attract increased international attention as stakeholders continue to seek lasting solutions to the crisis.
