Nigeria may soon enter a fresh security partnership with the United States as both countries intensify talks over worsening insecurity, terrorism, and violent attacks in parts of the country.
The proposed pact is expected to focus on counterterrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, and broader security support, especially in areas affected by insurgency and communal violence.
A United States congressman, Riley Moore, disclosed that discussions between Washington and Abuja have reached an advanced stage.
He said progress has been made following recent engagements with Nigerian authorities during a high-level visit.
Moore made this known in a post on his X account on Saturday night. He noted that the talks were part of ongoing efforts to address terrorism, sectarian violence, and humanitarian concerns linked to insecurity across Nigeria.
Earlier in the week, a delegation of US lawmakers led by Moore concluded a fact-finding mission to Nigeria.
The visit followed allegations of widespread killings and was aimed at gathering firsthand information on the security situation.
The delegation consisted of five members of the US Congress. They arrived in Nigeria on Sunday and travelled to several locations, including Benue State, which has witnessed repeated attacks and displacement of residents.
During the visit, the lawmakers met internally displaced persons, survivors of violent attacks, Christian communities, religious leaders, and traditional rulers.
They also held discussions with senior government officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
Moore said the delegation moved through parts of Benue State in armoured vehicles due to security risks. He explained that the team engaged Catholic and Protestant leaders, bishops, and community heads to obtain what he described as “ground truth” on events on the ground.
According to him, the findings from the visit will be compiled into a detailed report for US President Donald Trump. He said Trump personally mandated him and the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Tom Cole, to document the situation and propose possible responses.
In his latest post, Moore said the emerging security framework would prioritise efforts against extremist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East. He specifically mentioned Boko Haram and ISIS-linked factions as key threats under discussion.
He added that violence in the Middle Belt region also formed a major part of the talks. Moore described the crisis in that region as the genocide against Christians by the radical Fulani Muslims, an allegation the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected.
The Federal Government has maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and not rooted in religion.
Government officials insist the violence is driven by criminality, insurgency, and competition over resources rather than faith-based persecution.
Moore wrote, “We did have positive conversations with the Nigerian government, and I believe we are close to a strategic security framework to address both the ISIS and Boko Haram threat in the Northeast, as well as the genocide against Christians by the radical Fulani Muslims in the Middle Belt.
“The report that I will present @POTUS with outlines paths to work with the Nigerian government to end the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
The US lawmaker did not state when the proposed security framework would be finalised. He also did not give details on the level or form of US involvement once the agreement is reached.
Recall that in late October, President Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of Christian persecution.
The Nigerian government strongly disputed the designation at the time, insisting that insecurity in the country has no religious dimension and should not be mischaracterised.
