US Rules Out Troops for Nigeria, Backs Diplomacy on CPC

A bipartisan US Congressional delegation has firmly rejected deploying American troops to Nigeria despite escalating insecurity and the country’s recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations. Led by Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Michigan), the group—including Reps. Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self, and Jefferson Shreve—made these statements during a December 21, 2025, press conference in Abuja following meetings with Nigerian officials, religious leaders, civil society, and private sector representatives. The CPC status, reinstated by President Donald Trump in November 2025, highlights persistent violence across religious lines but aims to spur internal reforms rather than trigger military action.​

Delegation’s Key Messages

Huizenga emphasized that Nigeria requires assistance but not “U.S. troops,” framing the CPC label as a diplomatic tool to encourage accountability and progress on protecting all faiths amid attacks in Middle Belt states like Plateau and Benue. Lawmakers distinguished northeastern terrorism by Boko Haram and ISWAP from communal clashes elsewhere, noting “different regional realities” demand tailored responses. They described the designation as temporary, reviewable upon measurable reductions in violence, and stressed it fosters “honest engagement between partners” without punishing Nigeria.​

Non-Military Support Pledged

The delegation advocated “shoes on the ground, not boots,” promoting humanitarian aid, diplomatic cooperation, institutional reforms, and capacity-building to address instability with regional and global stakes. US Ambassador Richard Mills highlighted the visit’s role in bolstering ties on democracy, trade, and security, reflecting bipartisan congressional backing for Nigeria’s success. Findings from the trip will inform Washington briefings, with calls for sustained dialogue to potentially lift the CPC status.​

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Background on CPC Designation

Nigeria rejoined the CPC list—alongside nations like China, Iran, and Russia—after Trump’s accusations of inadequate Christian protection, amid criticisms of the Tinubu administration’s security handling. The move has sparked Nigerian government discussions, viewed positively by the delegation, though earlier threats of aid cuts or intervention have shifted to collaborative approaches. US officials reiterated that all citizens, Muslim or Christian, deserve state protection from unacceptable violence levels.​