US Congressional Committee Calls for Disarmament of Fulani Militias to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria, Other Measures

WASHINGTON, U.S. (NPA): A United States congressional committee tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate allegations of widespread violence against Christians in Nigeria has submitted its recommendations to the White House.

In a report released Monday by Congressman Riley Moore, the committee endorsed the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing what it described as systematic attacks on Christian communities.

The committee, which included Chairman Tom Cole and members of the House Appropriations Committee, stated: “Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian. Christians face ongoing violent attacks from well-armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, the destruction of churches and schools, and widespread kidnappings. Blasphemy laws in northern states are used to silence dissent, target minorities, and justify convictions without due process.”

Key Recommendations

The report outlined several measures aimed at curbing violence and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the United States and Nigeria:

• Bilateral Agreement: Establish a binding accord to protect vulnerable Christian communities, counter jihadist activity, expand economic cooperation, and address regional influence from China and Russia.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Co-fund donor-supported aid programs, including faith-based initiatives, prioritizing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and underserved communities.
• Security in the Middle Belt: Deploy capable security forces to prevent attacks and kidnappings, ensure rapid response, and hold negligent officials accountable.
• Land and Resettlement: Expel armed groups from confiscated farmland, enable displaced communities to return, and rebuild infrastructure to reduce reliance on aid and boost agricultural productivity.
• Disarmament of Militias: Implement measures to reduce and eliminate violence by armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs to curb illicit weapons while safeguarding legitimate self-defense for farmers.
• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Expand joint operations to combat foreign terrorist organizations, including the provision of defense equipment and intelligence-sharing.
• Economic Safeguards: Address destabilizing practices such as illegal mining operations allegedly linked to foreign actors funding militias.
• Visa Restrictions & Legal Reform: Maintain visa bans on perpetrators of religious violence, repeal blasphemy laws, and review sharia-based criminal codes in northern Nigeria.
• Trade Measures: Consider restrictions on cattle exports to regional markets as leverage to compel disarmament of armed herdsmen.