In a watershed moment that could reshape international policy and diplomatic engagement, U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore formally presented a comprehensive congressional report to the White House detailing the escalating persecution of Christians in Nigeria — a nation long afflicted by religious violence, extremist attacks, and deepening sectarian tensions. The presentation marks one of the most significant instances in recent years where a U.S. lawmaker has placed Nigeria’s human rights crisis at the forefront of American foreign policy discussion.
On February 23, 2026, Moore stood alongside members of the U.S. House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs at the White House to deliver the findings of months of investigation, fieldwork, expert testimony, and diplomatic engagement to senior U.S. officials, including those advising the President of the United States. The report focuses squarely on what the lawmakers describe as systematic violence against Christian communities across Nigeria and outlines actionable recommendations to combat this crisis.
Why This Report Matters — A Crisis in Focus
According to the congressional document, Nigeria has, in recent years, become one of the most dangerous places on earth for Christians to live and practice their faith — a claim supported by a growing array of human rights research. The report cites sustained violence by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and various armed militias, notably Fulani herdsmen. These groups have been linked to mass killings, church attacks, abductions, and widespread displacement.
The crisis is not new. Long‑standing violence targeting civilians — including Christians — has seen Nigeria ranked among the top countries on the Open Doors World Watch List for Christian persecution. Analysts and advocacy groups have repeatedly underscored how religious violence has interwoven with ethnic, socio‑economic, and political tensions, greatly complicating efforts toward peace and religious freedom.
Key Findings Delivered to the White House
The report presented by Congressman Moore and his colleagues contains a comprehensive account of the crisis and offers several core findings:
The prevalence of extremist violence: The investigation confirms that attacks on Christian communities are widespread, with some reports suggesting thousands of deaths and large‑scale internal displacement in recent years.
Complicity and governance challenges: Lawmakers highlight concerns that certain regional legal systems — including Sharia and blasphemy laws in northern states — have at times contributed to discrimination, persecution, and violations of due process for religious minorities.
The security vacuum: Weak enforcement by security agencies and the inability to effectively counter armed militias and terrorist groups have left vulnerable populations exposed to recurring violence.
Human cost and displacement: Christian leaders and survivors interviewed during field visits shared testimony of family losses, village destruction, forced displacement, and the psychological trauma of persistent violence.
Actionable U.S. Policy Recommendations
Rather than merely documenting the crisis, the White House report advocates specific policy responses aimed at pushing for real improvements on the ground:
🔸 Security Cooperation: The report urges the establishment of a bilateral security agreement between the United States and Nigeria focused on protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling extremist networks.
🔸 Sanctions and Visa Restrictions: Lawmakers recommend targeted sanctions and visa bans on individuals or groups found to be responsible for or complicit in religious persecution.
🔸 Repeal of Discriminatory Laws: A controversial but central recommendation calls for Nigeria to revisit and reform Sharia and blasphemy laws that have been widely criticised by human rights organisations for enabling discrimination against Christians and other minorities.
🔸 International Collaboration: In addition to U.S. measures, the report suggests coordinating with international partners — including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom — to bring broader diplomatic and strategic focus to the crisis.
Political and Diplomatic Stakes
The release of this report at the White House comes after earlier actions by the U.S. administration. In late 2025, Nigeria was redesignated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act — a move that increases diplomatic pressure on Abuja to take meaningful steps toward protecting religious minorities. This decision has been central to the groundwork for Congressman Moore’s investigation.
Moore himself has been an outspoken critic of Nigeria’s handling of religious violence, previously calling it “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian” in correspondence with U.S. government officials and pushing for stronger diplomatic action to protect persecuted populations.
Reactions and Future Outlook
The presentation of this report is likely to influence both U.S. foreign policy and Nigeria’s international standing, especially regarding human rights and religious freedom. Supporters of the report argue that decisive action from global powers could catalyse long overdue reforms and protections. Critics, however, caution that external pressure must be carefully weighed to avoid unintended consequences or perceptions of foreign interference.
What is clear is that religious persecution in Nigeria remains a deeply complex issue — blending insurgency, socio‑economic disparities, ethnic tensions, and legal challenges that defy simple solutions. The report’s delivery to the White House signals a renewed international spotlight on the crisis and raises the stakes for how policymakers respond in the months ahead.
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