A high-level United States congressional delegation has definitively stated that Washington will not be sending American troops to Nigeria to combat terrorism or internal violence. The clarification came during a visit to Abuja, where the lawmakers emphasized that the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) is a diplomatic tool intended to spur accountability and reforms.
Diplomatic Pressure, Not Military Intervention
The bipartisan delegation, led by Congressman Bill Huizenga and including Representatives Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self, and Jefferson Shreve, met with Nigerian officials and stakeholders from December 7. They stressed that the CPC status, which highlights severe violations of religious freedom, is not a step towards military engagement. "Nigeria does need help, but that does not mean U.S. troops," Huizenga stated explicitly. He described the designation as a mechanism to motivate action rather than a prelude to deployment.
The lawmakers pointed to the persistent violence affecting both Muslim and Christian communities across Nigeria, with particular alarm raised about the situation in the Middle Belt region. They asserted that protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, is a fundamental duty of the Nigerian government. The delegation noted that the CPC label has already stimulated important internal discussions within Nigeria's governance structures, which they view as a positive initial outcome.
CPC Status is Not Permanent, Says US
Officials were keen to highlight that the Country of Particular Concern designation is not a permanent mark. They clarified that it could be reconsidered if Nigeria demonstrates measurable and sustained progress in curbing violence and enhancing protections for religious freedom. The delegation rejected the notion that the move would harm the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two nations, framing it instead as a form of tough but necessary dialogue between partners.
"True friends don't walk away," Congressman Huizenga remarked. "They stay engaged, even when the conversation is difficult." This sentiment was echoed by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, who underscored the visit's role in reaffirming the multifaceted partnership encompassing economic, security, and people-to-people ties.
Different Crises Require Tailored Responses
The American officials drew a distinction between the various security challenges plaguing Nigeria. They differentiated the terrorism fueled by groups like Boko Haram in the North-East from the complex communal and sectarian violence witnessed in regions like Plateau and Benue. "There are different regional realities," one lawmaker observed. "What works in Borno State may not work in Plateau or Benue." This understanding informs the U.S. position that a one-size-fits-all military solution is not appropriate.
Instead of "boots on the ground," the delegation expressed strong support for expanding non-military cooperation. This includes increased humanitarian aid, enhanced diplomatic collaboration, and capacity-building programs for Nigerian institutions—an approach they summarized as preferring to put "shoes on the ground, not boots."
The delegation concluded that sustained dialogue, transparency, and concrete reforms are the pathways to not only getting Nigeria's CPC status reviewed but also to forging a stronger, more resilient U.S.-Nigeria partnership for the future.
