The United States has ruled out deploying troops to Nigeria despite worsening insecurity and growing international concern over religious freedom, insisting that Washington’s actions are aimed at encouraging reforms through diplomatic pressure rather than military intervention.
Members of a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation made this known in Abuja during a press conference following meetings with Nigerian government officials, religious leaders, civil society groups, and private sector stakeholders.
The delegation, led by Congressman Bill Huizenga, included Representatives Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self, and Jefferson Shreve.
“Nigeria does need help, but that does not mean U.S. troops,” Huizenga said. “The designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is a tool to motivate action, not a prelude to military deployment.”
Nigeria was recently redesignated by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over persistent violations of religious freedom and widespread violence, a move that has sparked debate in both Abuja and Washington.
The lawmakers said the decision was driven by ongoing attacks affecting both Muslims and Christians, particularly in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where violence often carries religious or sectarian undertones.
“It is unacceptable that anyone — Muslim or Christian — is subjected to this level of violence,” a member of the delegation said. “Protecting citizens of all faiths is a fundamental responsibility of the Nigerian state.”
They stressed that the CPC designation was not intended to punish or stigmatise Nigeria but to encourage accountability, institutional reforms, and stronger protection of fundamental rights.
According to the delegation, the designation has already prompted internal discussions within the Nigerian government, which they described as a positive development.
The lawmakers also distinguished between terrorism in the North-East, linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and communal or religiously motivated violence in states such as Plateau and Benue.
“There are different regional realities,” one lawmaker noted. “What works in Borno State may not necessarily work in Plateau or Benue.”
They added that Nigeria’s CPC status is not permanent and would be reviewed based on measurable progress in curbing violence and improving religious freedom.
Dismissing concerns that the designation could strain U.S.–Nigeria relations, the lawmakers described it as part of a candid engagement between partners.
“True friends don’t walk away,” Huizenga said. “They stay engaged, even when the conversation is difficult.”
While ruling out military intervention, the delegation expressed support for expanded non-military engagement, including humanitarian assistance, diplomatic cooperation, institutional reforms, and capacity-building initiatives — a strategy they described as putting “shoes on the ground, not boots.”
They warned that prolonged instability in Africa’s most populous country could have regional and global implications, given Nigeria’s strategic importance.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the visit underscored Washington’s commitment to Nigeria, noting that the delegation discussed shared priorities such as strengthening democratic institutions, expanding trade and investment, and addressing concerns that led to Nigeria’s CPC designation.
Huizenga, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees, said the CPC issue — first raised during the Trump administration — continues to attract significant attention in the U.S. Congress.
“I felt it was important to come here, look people in the eye, and have frank conversations,” he said. “This partnership matters to both Nigeria and the United States.”
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