- US military deployment to Nigeria is not under consideration, despite rising insecurity.
- Nigeria’s CPC designation is meant to encourage reforms, not trigger troop presence.
- Religious violence and regional insecurity remain major concerns for US lawmakers.
- Diplomacy, aid, and accountability are preferred over boots on the ground.
The United States government has made it clear that it has no plans to send troops to Nigeria, despite worsening security challenges and renewed international attention on religious freedom in the country.
This position was outlined by a bipartisan delegation of the U.S. Congress during a press conference in Abuja, following meetings with Nigerian government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders.
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The delegation was led by Congressman Bill Huizenga, alongside Representatives Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self, and Jefferson Shreve. Addressing journalists, Huizenga stressed that while Nigeria needs support, military intervention is not the solution.
“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 step toward military deployment.”
The lawmakers explained that Nigeria’s inclusion on the CPC list reflects ongoing violence that cuts across religious and regional lines. They pointed to differing security challenges across the country, noting that terrorism in the North-East, linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, differs from communal and religious violence in parts of the Middle Belt, including Plateau and Benue states.
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One member of the delegation said responses must reflect these regional differences.
“There are different realities across Nigeria. What works in Borno State may not work in Plateau or Benue,” the lawmaker noted.
US officials also emphasized that Nigeria’s CPC status is not permanent and would be reviewed based on measurable progress in reducing violence and improving religious freedom. They described the designation as a form of direct but constructive engagement, rather than punishment.
While ruling out military involvement, the delegation expressed strong support for non-military assistance, including humanitarian aid, diplomatic cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives.
They described this approach as “putting shoes on the ground, not boots,” adding that prolonged instability in Nigeria could have regional and global consequences.
The delegation said it would brief the US Congress on its findings and encourage policies that support peace, accountability, and long-term stability in Nigeria.
