The United States Congress has ruled out any plan to deploy troops to Nigeria following the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Lawmakers said the decision is not a step toward military intervention but a diplomatic move aimed at encouraging reforms and accountability.
Members of a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation made this clear during a press briefing in Abuja after a visit to Nigeria.
The lawmakers said Washington has no intention of sending soldiers to Nigerian soil, despite growing concerns over insecurity and religious freedom.
The delegation was led by Rep. Bill Huizenga and included Reps. Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self, and Jefferson Shreve. They explained that while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, the United States believes solutions should come through cooperation, dialogue, and institutional reforms, not foreign troops.
“Nigeria does need help, but that does not mean U.S. troops,” Huizenga said. “The CPC designation is a tool to motivate action, not a prelude to military deployment.”
The lawmakers said the CPC decision was influenced by persistent violence affecting communities across the country. They expressed concern about attacks in different regions, particularly the Middle Belt, where religion is believed to play a role in some conflicts.
They stressed that no faith group should be subjected to violence or fear. According to the delegation, protecting citizens, regardless of religious belief, remains the responsibility of the Nigerian government.
“It is unacceptable that anyone—Muslim or Christian—is experiencing this level of violence,” one of the lawmakers said during the briefing.
The delegation revealed that the CPC designation has already triggered discussions within Nigeria’s government. They described this response as encouraging and said it shows the move is achieving its purpose.
They clarified that the designation is not meant to punish Nigeria or its people. Instead, it is designed to push for reforms, accountability, and stronger protection of religious freedom.
The lawmakers also pointed out that Nigeria’s security challenges differ by region. They distinguished terrorism in the North-East, linked to Boko Haram and other extremist groups, from communal or religiously influenced violence in states such as Plateau and Benue.
“There are different regional realities,” one lawmaker said. “What works in Borno State may not work in Plateau or Benue.”
According to the delegation, Nigeria’s CPC status is not permanent. They said it will be reviewed based on clear progress in reducing violence and improving religious freedom across the country.
They dismissed claims that the designation could harm U.S.–Nigeria relations. Instead, they described it as a difficult but honest engagement between partners.
“True friends don’t walk away,” Huizenga said. “They stay engaged, even when the conversation is difficult.”
While ruling out military deployment, the lawmakers expressed support for non-military assistance. This includes humanitarian support, diplomatic engagement, and capacity-building efforts. They described the approach as putting “shoes on the ground, not boots.”
The delegation said they would brief officials in Washington on Nigeria’s strategic importance to Africa and global stability. They warned that insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation has wider regional and international consequences.
During the visit, the lawmakers met with government officials, religious leaders, civil society groups, and private sector stakeholders. They said the meetings reflect the long-standing partnership between both countries.
Speaking on the visit, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said it highlighted the importance Washington places on its relationship with Nigeria.
He noted that discussions focused on security, democracy, economic growth, and the issues that led to the CPC designation.
Huizenga also said the CPC issue has been under discussion in Congress for years, including during the Trump administration. He explained that the visit was meant to allow for direct and honest conversations with Nigerian leaders.
The visit comes amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security and human rights situation. U.S. officials said continued dialogue, transparency, and reforms could lead to a review of Nigeria’s CPC status and a stronger partnership going forward.
