The United States Congress has called on the Nigerian government to remove armed Fulani militias from confiscated and productive farmlands across the country’s 36 states, as part of sweeping recommendations submitted to President Donald Trump over rising insecurity and alleged religious violence in Africa’s most populous nation.
The recommendations were contained in a congressional report presented to the White House following investigations led by Congressman Riley Moore into violence affecting Christian communities in Nigeria. Moore disclosed via his official X account that he had formally submitted the report, stating it was aimed at addressing religious persecution, sectarian violence and broader insecurity challenges.
The development followed congressional hearings and a fact-finding visit by an investigative delegation to Nigeria. This comes amid increasing diplomatic pressure from Washington after Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.
Farmland Access, Displacement Top Concerns
Among the most significant proposals is a demand that the Nigerian government remove armed groups from seized farmlands and facilitate the voluntary return of displaced communities.
Lawmakers argued that restoring access to agricultural land would reduce humanitarian dependence while boosting food production and economic stability. They also urged Abuja to rebuild infrastructure and provide adequate security in affected communities, particularly in the predominantly Christian Middle Belt region, to encourage resettlement.
Proposed US–Nigeria Security Pact
The report also recommended a new bilateral security agreement between both countries, focusing on protecting vulnerable communities, eliminating jihadist threats and expanding economic cooperation. The pact would also seek to counter the influence of geopolitical rivals, including China and Russia.
Under the proposed arrangement, Nigeria would co-fund humanitarian assistance programmes, including those delivered through faith-based organisations, while strengthening early-warning systems to prevent attacks and kidnappings. The report further called for deploying capable security forces to violence-prone areas and holding officials accountable for failing to act on intelligence warnings.
Defence And Counter-Terrorism Measures
Congress advised Nigeria to expand security cooperation with the United States and gradually shift from Russian military equipment to American defence systems. It also urged the development of a demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration programme targeting armed militias.
The lawmakers recommended strengthening the newly created Ministry of Livestock’s ranching reforms and pursuing meaningful land reforms to address recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
The report also called for enhanced counter-terrorism collaboration, including the provision of excess US defence equipment and the possible designation of certain armed groups as foreign terrorist organisations if intelligence findings justify such action.
Sanctions, Trade And Diplomatic Pressure
In addition, Congress urged Washington to consider sanctions against individuals or groups involved in violence, continue visa restrictions and publicly expose perpetrators. Lawmakers also suggested reviewing trade leverage, including potential restrictions on cattle-related exports, to pressure armed groups to disarm.
Other proposals included increased oversight of US aid to Nigeria, greater engagement by the US Treasury to safeguard financial integrity and investments through the US Development Finance Corporation in vulnerable regions. The report also advocated improved staffing at American diplomatic missions in Nigeria.
Broader International Collaboration
The US Congress further recommended commissioning a National Intelligence Estimate on sectarian and communal violence in Nigeria and mobilising support from international partners such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom to address instability.
The wide-ranging recommendations highlight growing concern in Washington over Nigeria’s security situation and religious freedom record. Analysts say the proposals could signal a shift in US–Nigeria relations if adopted.
As of press time, the Nigerian government had not issued an official response to the congressional report.
