US Congressman Urges FG to Disarm Middle Belt Militants Amid Ongoing Violence!

US Congressman Urges FG to Disarm Middle Belt Militants Amid Ongoing Violence!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Riley Moore (R‑WV), a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) to disarm armed groups operating in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, describing their actions against civilians—particularly in Christian communities—as tantamount to genocide. [1]

“The Nigerian Constitution prohibits private ownership of firearms, yet we see fully‑armed Fulani militants operating in the Middle Belt with AK‑47s and other military‑grade weapons,” Moore stated in a November 2025 hearing. “If Nigeria is serious about peace, it must disarm these groups and request U.S. support to do so. This is not simply violence—it is genocide of vulnerable communities.” [1]

Key Details

• Moore’s comments were made at a session of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, where he urged tangible international pressure and cooperation with Nigeria to curb militant activity. [1]
• The congressman specifically referenced violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, noting that armed, unregistered groups continue to kill, displace and terrorise communities with near‑impunity.
• Moore also pressed for the U.S. to reinstate Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom framework—arguing the violence is rooted in religious/ethnic targeting. [2]

Why It Matters

• A U.S. lawmaker directly calling for Nigeria to disarm militant groups adds a layer of international diplomatic pressure on Abuja’s security strategy.
• The framing of the violence as “genocide” is particularly significant—if adopted widely, it could trigger humanitarian, diplomatic or even sanctions measures under U.S. policy.
• The call highlights the security‑religious nexus in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where attacks on Christian communities, farmers, and minorities have escalated in recent years.

What to Watch

• Whether the FG responds publicly to Moore’s comments and engages in greater security cooperation with the U.S.
• Possible Congressional action in the U.S. linking Nigeria’s aid, military support or trade benefits to progress on disarmament and protection of vulnerable communities.
• How Nigeria’s domestic discourse evolves—whether the Middle Belt violence is increasingly addressed as religious/ethnic persecution rather than purely criminal or agricultural conflict.

Citations:

1. House Appropriations Committee: appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/moore-warns-violence-against-nigerian-christians-need-protect-religious-freedom?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Representative Riley Moore: rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-moore-urges-secretary-state-designate-nigeria-country-particular?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Western Journal: www.westernjournal.com/put-full-armor-god-congressman-sounds-alarm-christian-persecution-nigeria/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. ThisDayLive: www.thisdaylive.com/2025/11/20/us-congressman-confirms-meeting-fgs-delegation-over-alleged-christian-genocide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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