A United States lawmaker has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle insecurity and protect the right of citizens to practise their faith without fear, as both countries deepen cooperation on counterterrorism and regional stability.
The statement was made by Riley Moore, a member of the United States Congress, who addressed the issue in a public post on Saturday following recent engagements between officials from both countries. His comments highlight renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the northern states and the Middle Belt, where years of violence have strained communities and institutions.
Strengthening Bilateral Security Cooperation
Moore described the establishment of a U.S.–Nigeria Working Group on security as a critical and timely development. According to him, the initiative is designed to improve coordination between both governments in confronting violent extremism, while also reinforcing shared democratic values, including religious freedom.
He noted that the working group represents an effort to jointly address security threats that have resulted in the loss of lives and displacement of communities across parts of Nigeria. The collaboration, he said, reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria’s stability is closely tied to regional and global security interests.
In his remarks, Moore praised the Nigerian government for what he described as a willingness to engage constructively with the United States. He said the agreement demonstrates that Nigerian authorities are taking the security situation seriously and are committed to working in good faith with international partners.
Focus on Religious Freedom and Violence
A central theme of Moore’s statement was concern over attacks on religious communities, particularly Christians, in parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt. He characterised such violence as persecution carried out by radical Islamist groups and stressed that the protection of religious freedom remains a core priority of the U.S. government.
“Our nations have pledged to work together to ensure all Nigerians can live and practice their faith without fear of persecution and death,” Moore said, adding that the partnership seeks not only to confront terrorism but also to promote long-term peace and coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic groups.
While Nigeria is constitutionally a secular state with protections for freedom of religion, years of insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes have complicated the situation on the ground, leaving millions vulnerable and communities deeply divided.
Nigeria’s Strategic Importance
The lawmaker also framed the partnership as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria. He said the country has a “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to strengthen ties with the United States, enhance its counterterrorism capacity, and position itself as a stabilising force within West Africa and the broader region.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, plays a key role in regional security through peacekeeping missions, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic engagement. Persistent insecurity within its borders, however, has limited its ability to fully project stability beyond its frontiers.
By working more closely with Washington, Moore suggested, Nigeria could also address broader economic and governance challenges that are closely linked to insecurity, including unemployment, rural poverty, and weak infrastructure in conflict-affected areas.
Key Implications
The renewed emphasis on U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation carries several implications:
- Enhanced Counterterrorism Efforts: Improved intelligence sharing and operational coordination could strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to insurgent and extremist groups.
- International Scrutiny: Greater U.S. involvement may increase global attention on how Nigeria addresses human rights, civilian protection, and accountability during security operations.
- Regional Stability: A more secure Nigeria would have positive ripple effects across West and Central Africa, where cross-border threats remain a concern.
- Religious Freedom Debate: The focus on faith-based violence may intensify domestic and international discussions around the causes of conflict and the balance between security and social cohesion.
What Happens Next
While Moore acknowledged that “much still needs to be done,” he expressed optimism about what he described as positive developments in Nigeria’s security engagement with the United States. The effectiveness of the working group will likely depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and measurable outcomes on the ground.
For Nigeria, the challenge remains translating international partnerships into tangible improvements in safety for citizens across all regions, regardless of religion or ethnicity. As both governments move forward, observers will be watching closely to see whether this cooperation leads to lasting reductions in violence and greater protection of fundamental rights.
