By DAYO ADESULU
The debate over alleged genocide in Nigeria has taken a fresh diplomatic turn after a United States lawmaker formally submitted a report on the situation to former U.S. President at the White House.**
On Monday, , a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, disclosed that he had personally presented a document detailing claims of widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The development has reignited conversations in Washington and Abuja, placing the issue of alleged genocide in Nigeria back at the center of international diplomatic engagement.
Moore Confirms Submission at White House
Moore made the disclosure via his verified social media account, posting a photograph of himself holding a large envelope said to contain the report. In his brief statement, he confirmed that the document had been delivered to the White House and hinted at further steps.
“Just presented our report on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria to the White House. More to come,” he wrote.
Although he did not immediately release the contents of the report, the move followed a recent fact-finding mission to Nigeria involving Moore and other members of a U.S. delegation. The visit reportedly focused on gathering firsthand information amid persistent lobbying efforts in Washington by advocacy groups alleging systemic religious violence.
Background to Alleged Genocide in Nigeria Claims
For years, several international advocacy organizations have described the security crisis in parts of Nigeria as a targeted campaign against Christians. These groups frequently use the term “Christian genocide” to characterize attacks in the North-East, North-Central, and other flashpoints.
However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected allegations of genocide.
Under President , federal authorities maintain that Nigeria’s security challenges stem from terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and criminality rather than any state-backed or coordinated religious cleansing agenda.
Officials argue that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP attack both Christians and Muslims, insisting that the crisis remains complex and multifaceted.
Renewed U.S. Attention on Nigeria
Despite Abuja’s stance, the issue of alleged genocide in Nigeria gained renewed traction in U.S. policy circles last year. At the time, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom concerns.
The CPC designation, issued under U.S. law, identifies countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. The decision drew mixed reactions, with some human rights advocates welcoming it while Nigerian officials criticized what they described as an oversimplification of the country’s security dynamics.
In a separate but related move, U.S. authorities ordered airstrikes targeting terrorist elements in Sokoto on Christmas Day last year. American officials stated that the strikes aimed to degrade extremist networks operating in the region.
Although those actions focused on counterterrorism, they further spotlighted Nigeria’s security situation on the global stage.
Diplomatic and Security Implications
Moore’s submission of the report could carry diplomatic consequences, depending on how U.S. policymakers respond. If Washington escalates pressure or proposes new sanctions, relations between both countries may face fresh strain.
Nigeria remains a strategic partner of the United States in West Africa, particularly in counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability, and economic engagement. Therefore, any shift in U.S. policy regarding alleged genocide in Nigeria would likely involve broader geopolitical considerations.
Political analysts note that congressional advocacy often influences foreign policy debates, especially when human rights concerns intersect with national security interests. Consequently, Moore’s move signals that the issue remains active within influential U.S. circles.
Nigeria’s Official Position
Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities continue to push back against genocide claims.
Government spokespersons repeatedly stress that the security crisis affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines. They argue that labeling the violence as genocide risks deepening divisions and undermining ongoing military and intelligence operations against armed groups.
Security agencies also highlight recent operations that have led to arrests, neutralizations of insurgents, and rescue missions for abducted victims across multiple states.
Still, critics insist that accountability, improved intelligence coordination, and community-based interventions remain essential to reducing violence.
What Happens Next?
While Moore’s report has now reached the White House, its immediate impact remains unclear. U.S. lawmakers could hold hearings, propose resolutions, or introduce legislation tied to Nigeria’s religious freedom record.
At the same time, Nigerian diplomats in Washington are expected to intensify engagement to counter what Abuja views as a mischaracterization of its internal security challenges.
For now, the controversy surrounding alleged genocide in Nigeria continues to unfold on both sides of the Atlantic. The coming weeks may reveal whether the submission translates into concrete policy shifts or remains part of ongoing political advocacy.
One thing is certain: the issue has firmly returned to the diplomatic agenda.
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