US Rejects Troop Deployment to Nigeria, Says CPC Listing Meant to Drive Reforms

US Rejects Troop Deployment to Nigeria, Says CPC Listing Meant to Drive Reforms

The United States has ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Nigeria, stressing that its decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) is meant to drive reforms through diplomacy and partnership, not military intervention.

Members of a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation, who visited Abuja to assess security and religious freedom concerns, said at a press conference that while Nigeria requires international support to address rising violence, Washington is not considering “boots on the ground.”

The delegation was led by Congressman Bill Huizenga and included Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self, and Jefferson Shreve.

“Nigeria does need help, but that does not mean U.S. troops,” Huizenga said. “The CPC designation is a tool to motivate action, not a prelude to military deployment.”

The lawmakers said the designation was informed by persistent violence across Nigeria, affecting communities of all faiths, with particular concern about the Middle Belt, where religiously motivated attacks are believed to play a role.

“It is unacceptable that anyone—Muslim or Christian—is experiencing this level of violence,” a delegation member said, adding that protecting citizens of all faiths remains the responsibility of the Nigerian government.

According to the delegation, the CPC designation has already prompted internal discussions within Nigeria’s government, describing this as a positive sign. They emphasized that the move is not intended to punish Nigeria or its citizens, but to encourage accountability, reforms, and stronger protection of religious freedom.

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The lawmakers distinguished between terrorism in the North-East, linked to Boko Haram and other extremist groups, and communal or religious violence in other regions, noting that each requires a tailored response.

“There are different regional realities,” one lawmaker said. “What works in Borno State may not work in Plateau or Benue.”

U.S. officials noted that Nigeria’s CPC status is not permanent and will be reviewed based on measurable progress in reducing violence and improving religious freedom. They dismissed fears that the designation could harm U.S.–Nigeria relations, describing it instead as constructive engagement between partners.

“True friends don’t walk away,” Huizenga said. “They stay engaged, even when the conversation is difficult.”

While ruling out troop deployment, the delegation expressed support for non-military engagement, including humanitarian assistance, diplomatic cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives, which they described as putting “shoes on the ground, not boots.”

The lawmakers said they would brief colleagues in Washington on Nigeria’s importance to Africa and global stability, warning that insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation has far-reaching consequences.

They added that sustained dialogue, transparency, and reforms could lead to a review of Nigeria’s CPC status and a stronger U.S.–Nigeria partnership.

During the visit, the delegation met with government officials, religious leaders, civil society, and private sector stakeholders, reaffirming America’s commitment to its long-standing relationship with Nigeria.

Speaking on the visit, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said it underscored Washington’s focus on economic, security, and people-to-people ties. He noted that the delegation engaged Nigerian leaders on shared priorities, including democratic institutions, trade opportunities, and the concerns that led to Nigeria’s CPC designation.

Huizenga, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the visit was aimed at frank engagement, noting that the CPC designation—first made during the Trump administration—remains a subject of ongoing congressional discussions.

“The purpose of our visit is to engage directly, listen, learn, and encourage progress on governance, security, and religious freedom,” he said.

US Rejects Troop Deployment to Nigeria, Says CPC Listing Meant to Drive Reforms