The United States has called on Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from violent attacks and commit greater resources to ensuring the safe and sustainable return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.
The appeal was made by the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during a high-level visit to Abuja, where he held strategic discussions with senior Nigerian government officials on security, justice, religious freedom, investment and regional stability.
Garcia met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi; the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
During the security engagements, the US official acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group to address concerns linked to its designation by Washington as a Country of Particular Concern. However, he stressed that more action is required to improve the protection of Christian communities and guarantee the safe return of displaced Nigerians.
Garcia emphasised that the protection of vulnerable religious communities and the resettlement of internally displaced persons should remain central priorities in Nigeria’s broader security strategy.
Millions of Nigerians have been displaced by terrorism, banditry and communal violence, with many unable to return to their homes because of persistent insecurity, destroyed infrastructure and limited access to essential services.
According to the United States, returning displaced persons should not be viewed solely as a humanitarian exercise but as a critical governance and national security priority requiring adequate funding, effective protection and long-term planning.
The discussions also prepared the ground for the next meeting of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, scheduled for August in Washington, D.C., where both countries will review Nigeria’s progress on security, religious freedom and counterterrorism commitments.
Garcia also met with Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi to discuss terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability and religious freedom, stressing that successful counterterrorism efforts require strong judicial processes alongside military operations.
In separate engagements, the US envoy held talks with Communications Minister Bosun Tijani on expanding American investment opportunities in Nigeria’s growing digital economy. He also met executives of leading US technology and energy companies to discuss Nigeria’s investment climate and prospects for deeper commercial partnerships.
The visit underscored the broad scope of the US-Nigeria relationship, spanning security cooperation, justice reforms, religious freedom, technology, trade and investment.
While reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, Garcia made it clear that future cooperation will continue to be measured by tangible progress in protecting vulnerable communities, prosecuting terrorism-related offences, safeguarding religious freedom and creating conditions that allow displaced Nigerians to safely return to their homes.
The outcome of the August security review is expected to shape the next phase of strategic cooperation between both countries.