The United States has called on the Nigerian government to strengthen efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes.
The call was made by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during his visit to Nigeria, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the U.S. Mission. The statement said discussions focused on security cooperation, justice sector reforms, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy, and regional stability.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s efforts under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG), Garcia urged the government to intensify measures to protect Christians and support displaced persons.
“He also pressed the Nigerians to do more to protect Christians from attacks, and that greater efforts and resources must be allocated to the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes,” the statement said.
According to the U.S. Mission, Garcia also discussed Islamic terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability, and religious freedom during his meeting with the Attorney General.
The statement added that Garcia expressed hope that the next meeting of the Joint Working Group, scheduled for August in Washington, D.C., would review the progress made on these issues.
Garcia held meetings with top government officials, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
