U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore on Monday formally presented a comprehensive congressional report to the White House outlining recommended actions to address the persecution of Christians and rising extremist violence in Nigeria.
The report, jointly prepared by members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs, follows President Donald Trump’s October 31, 2025 redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The designation highlights countries accused of engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom.
President Trump tasked Congressman Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole with leading an investigation into violence affecting Christian communities and broader security threats across Nigeria.
Months of Investigation
According to Moore, the report is the result of months of bipartisan work, including:
- A congressional fact-finding trip to Nigeria
- Hearings with expert witnesses
- Consultations with religious leaders
- Meetings with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
- Engagement with senior Nigerian government officials
Lawmakers described the findings as documenting persistent attacks by extremist groups, including Boko Haram, as well as violence attributed to armed Fulani militias.
Key Recommendations in the Report
The congressional report proposes several measures:
- Establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable communities and dismantle jihadist networks
- Withholding certain U.S. funds pending measurable action by the Nigerian government
- Implementing sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals complicit in religious persecution
- Providing technical assistance to help eliminate violence linked to armed Fulani militias
- Calling for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws
- Coordinating with international partners including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom
Moore said the report aims to combine accountability with cooperation.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching,” Moore stated after the White House meeting. “This report outlines concrete steps to impose accountability measures, counter radical Islamic terrorism, and work in coordination with the Nigerian government to bring security to all Nigerians.”
Congressional Leaders Back Action
Moore also thanked committee leaders including Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith for supporting the investigation.
Lawmakers emphasized that while the focus is on protecting Christian communities, broader regional stability and counterterrorism efforts remain central to U.S. interests.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is home to an estimated 100 million Christians, alongside a large Muslim population. The CPC designation places Nigeria under heightened U.S. scrutiny regarding religious freedom protections.
The report has now been formally submitted to the White House for review and potential policy action.
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