By Our Correspondent
A group of United States lawmakers has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government, urging it to take decisive action against violent militias responsible for persistent attacks and killings across several regions of the country. The lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as Nigeria’s “slow and insufficient response” to the escalating insecurity that has displaced thousands and claimed countless lives.
During a congressional briefing held in Washington, senior members of the U.S. House of Representatives called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately disarm armed groups, dismantle militia networks, and bring perpetrators of violence to justice. They argued that continued inaction enables attackers to operate freely while vulnerable communities remain defenseless.
According to the lawmakers, many of the attacks particularly those targeting rural and religious communities—have gone unpunished, creating an atmosphere of impunity. They stressed that the Nigerian government must demonstrate stronger political will by preventing further violence, responding swiftly to security alerts, and ensuring that displaced families can safely return to their homes.
One of the lawmakers emphasized that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, cannot afford to allow militia groups to undermine national stability. They warned that persistent insecurity not only threatens regional peace but also weakens international confidence in Nigeria’s ability to safeguard human rights and uphold the rule of law.
The lawmakers also reiterated support for increased U.S. scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record and suggested that further diplomatic pressure could follow if meaningful progress is not made. They noted that Nigeria’s global partners expect stronger commitments to accountability, security sector reform, and protection of civilian populations.
As insecurity continues to affect communities across the country, the call from Washington adds a new layer of international pressure on the Nigerian government to confront the crisis with urgency. The Tinubu administration has assured citizens of its commitment to strengthening security forces, but critics insist that concrete, on-ground results are needed now more than ever.
