US Lawmakers Accuse Nigerian Government of Failing to Tackle Worsening Insecurity
Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – US lawmakers on Tuesday criticised the Nigerian government for failing to curb rising insecurity and mass killings, during a joint House Appropriations Committee briefing on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The session followed President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his threat of possible military action.
Congressman Chris Smith said: “The Nigerian government has a fundamental, constitutional obligation to protect its citizens; however, the perpetrators of this persecution operate with complete impunity.”
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, Smith warned that Washington would hold Abuja accountable, adding: “The Nigerian government is trying to run out the clock; we must act quickly and decisively to save more lives.”
Rep Brian Mast backed Trump’s designation and said the US must demand the disarmament of militias, return of displaced families and prosecution of attackers.
Riley Moore, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, accused Nigerian authorities of enabling Christian persecution, saying: “The world will no longer turn a blind eye.”
USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler said Nigerian authorities often ignore early warnings of attacks, adding: “Villagers cry for help and receive none. This is unacceptable.”
Dr Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations traced Nigeria’s insecurity to jihadist terror, particularly Boko Haram, and told US pressure had forced Abuja to act, including recruiting more security operatives and declaring a national security emergency.
He reiterated: “Washington must keep up the pressure. The goal should be to neutralise Boko Haram and push Nigeria to make Sharia law unconstitutional and disband Hisbah groups.”
The briefing followed a separate congressional hearing on November 20 examining Nigeria’s escalating violence.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Hussaini Ibrahim