US, Nigeria Close to Security Framework on Boko Haram, ISWAP, Says Riley Moore

The United States and Nigeria are nearing an agreement on a strategic security framework to confront Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), U.S. Representative Riley Moore has said.

Moore disclosed this after returning to the United States from a fact-finding visit to Nigeria, where he held meetings with senior security and government officials.

“We are close to a strategic security framework to address both the ISIS (ISWAP) and Boko Haram (JAS) threat in Northeast Nigeria, as well as the genocide against Christians by the radical Fulani Muslims in the Middle Belt,” Moore said.

The U.S. lawmaker said discussions focused on intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and coordinated responses to extremist violence in affected regions.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have sustained insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East for more than a decade, carrying out attacks on civilians, security personnel, and critical infrastructure.

Moore also referenced ongoing violence in the Middle Belt, which he described as targeted attacks against Christian communities.

However, the Federal Government of Nigeria has repeatedly rejected the characterization of the crisis as genocide, maintaining that insecurity across the country stems from terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and organised criminal activity affecting multiple communities.

In spite of the differing positions, Moore said both countries remain engaged on strengthening security collaboration to curb violence and protect civilians.

Nigeria continues to face overlapping security challenges across several regions, with federal authorities seeking international support to bolster counter-terrorism and internal security efforts.