Congressman Riley Moore. X/@RepRileyMoore
United States (US) House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have submitted a formal report to the White House on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, recommending possible sanctions and policy actions.
The submission followed the decision of former US President Donald Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues.
Following the move, Trump directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead an investigation into the reported persecution of Christian communities and Nigeria’s wider security challenges.
Moore confirmed the submission in a post on X, noting that the report was formally presented to officials at the White House.
As part of the probe, Moore led a bipartisan delegation to Nigeria, where lawmakers visited Internally Displaced Persons camps in Benue State, met victims of terrorism, and held talks with government officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. According to Moore, the findings were based on hearings, expert testimonies, consultations with religious leaders, and on-the-ground assessments.
“Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore joined members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs at the White House to formally present the comprehensive report outlining concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region,” Moore said.
He added: “This report is the result of months of investigation, including a bipartisan congressional fact-finding trip to Nigeria, hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with Internally Displaced Persons, and engagement with senior Nigerian government officials.”
The report recommends a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement, targeted sanctions, visa restrictions, and the possible withholding of funds until concrete steps are taken to curb violence. It also calls for technical support to address armed Fulani militias and urges collaboration with partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.
Moore further stated: “Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching, and I urge the Nigerian government to take the opportunity to deepen and strengthen its relationship with the United States. Doing so is in the interest of both our great nations. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians.”
