The United States House Committee on Appropriations and the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a comprehensive report to the White House detailing findings and recommendations on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and the country’s worsening security crisis.
The report was presented on Monday following months of investigation ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations.
Trump had tasked Congressman Riley Moore and Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole with leading a far-reaching probe into allegations that Christian communities in Nigeria are being targeted by terrorists amid broader national insecurity.
Moore confirmed the submission of the report in a statement shared Monday evening, noting that it followed bipartisan congressional assessments and consultations with the Trump administration.
Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria
As part of the investigation, Moore led a congressional delegation to Nigeria, where lawmakers visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State, met victims of terrorist attacks, and held discussions with senior government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Moore, the findings were drawn from expert witness testimonies, congressional hearings and roundtables, as well as two on-the-ground bipartisan delegations to Nigeria.
“We now have a clear picture of the threats facing Nigeria and the persecution Christians are enduring,” Moore said, adding that the moment presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen diplomatic and security ties with the United States.
“Doing so is in the interest of both our great nations. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians,” he stated.
Key Recommendations
The report outlines a series of proposed measures aimed at curbing extremist violence and strengthening accountability. Among its recommendations are:
- Establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement focused on protecting vulnerable Christian communities and dismantling jihadist networks.
- Withholding certain U.S. funding pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to stop violence against Christians.
- Imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals or groups deemed responsible for or complicit in religious persecution.
- Providing technical assistance to help Nigeria curb violence linked to armed Fulani militias.
- Calling for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws viewed as enabling religious discrimination.
- Coordinating efforts with international partners including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Moore described the White House meeting as productive and thanked President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a CPC, a classification under U.S. law reserved for countries accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
Congressional Backing
Moore also acknowledged the roles of senior lawmakers who contributed to the investigation, including Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith.
“Since President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC and tasked me to lead this investigation, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to produce the report we presented today,” Moore said.
He added that witnessing conditions firsthand in Nigeria left a lasting impression.
“I travelled on a bipartisan delegation to Nigeria and saw with my own eyes the horrific atrocities Christians face and the instability the Nigerian government must combat,” he said.
The report is expected to guide future U.S. foreign policy decisions regarding Nigeria, including potential diplomatic, economic and security measures.
Nigerian authorities have yet to issue an official response to the submission of the report.
