A United States congressman, Riley Moore, says Washington and Abuja are close to a strategic security agreement aimed at tackling terrorism and violence in Nigeria.
Moore disclosed this following a recent visit to Nigeria by a US delegation, saying discussions with Nigerian officials showed progress toward addressing threats posed by ISIS and Boko Haram, as well as wider security challenges in affected regions.
In a post on X, the lawmaker described the visit as “deeply troubling,” citing accounts of civilian killings he heard about from the victims' families.
“What I witnessed during my trip to Nigeria was heartbreaking,” Moore said.
“I met a woman who saw all five of her children murdered in front of her, and another who lost her husband, two daughters, and her unborn child.”
Despite the grim scenes, Moore said engagements with Nigerian authorities were encouraging.
“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,” he said.
He added that the proposed framework would also address violence in the Middle Belt, which he described as attacks on Christian communities, a claim that reflects his personal assessment.
Moore said he would submit a report to President Donald Trump outlining “pathways for stronger cooperation” with Nigeria to curb violence and protect civilians.
