Members of a bipartisan United States Congressional delegation have ruled out the deployment of U.S. troops to Nigeria despite the country’s worsening security challenges, describing violence against both Muslims and Christians as unacceptable.
The lawmakers made the remarks in Abuja during a press conference after meetings with Nigerian government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders.
Led by Congressman Bill Huizenga, the delegation included Representatives Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self and Jefferson Shreve. Huizenga said Nigeria’s designation by the U.S. as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations was intended to encourage reforms through diplomatic pressure, not military intervention.
“Nigeria does need help, but that does not mean U.S. troops,” Huizenga said. “The CPC designation is a tool to motivate action, not a prelude to military deployment.”
The lawmakers said the CPC listing was driven by persistent and widespread violence affecting citizens across religious lines, particularly in parts of the Middle Belt. They stressed that protecting citizens of all faiths remains a fundamental responsibility of the Nigerian government.
“It is unacceptable that anyone, Muslim or Christian, is experiencing this level of violence,” a member of the delegation said.
Nigeria was recently redesignated a Country of Particular Concern by the U.S. government, a move that has sparked debate in both Washington and Abuja. The delegation noted that the designation has already prompted internal discussions within Nigeria’s government, describing this as a positive development.
According to the lawmakers, the decision was not meant to punish or stigmatise Nigeria, but to push for concrete reforms, accountability and stronger protection of fundamental rights. They also distinguished between terrorism in the North-East linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and communal or religiously motivated violence in states such as Plateau and Benue.
“There are different regional realities,” one lawmaker said, adding that security approaches must be tailored to specific areas.
The delegation said Nigeria’s CPC status would be reviewed based on measurable progress in addressing violence and improving religious freedom. They dismissed suggestions that the designation could harm U.S.–Nigeria relations, describing it instead as frank engagement between partners.
While ruling out military intervention, the lawmakers expressed support for increased non-military cooperation, including humanitarian assistance, diplomatic engagement, institutional reforms and capacity-building initiatives.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the visit highlighted Washington’s commitment to Nigeria, noting that discussions focused on strengthening democratic institutions, expanding trade and investment, and addressing concerns that led to the CPC designation.
Huizenga added that the CPC issue has generated sustained debate in the U.S. Congress, saying the delegation’s visit was aimed at fostering open dialogue and reinforcing the importance of the U.S.–Nigeria partnership.
