US APC Calls on American Lawmakers to Back Nigeria.

The United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on American lawmakers to strengthen security collaboration with Nigeria rather than impose sanctions over concerns related to religious freedom and rising violence.

The USA Chairman of the party, Prof. Tai Balofin, made the appeal on Thursday while addressing the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa during discussions on Nigeria’s redesignation as a “Country of Particular Concern.” His remarks were later shared with the public on Friday.

Speaking to Chairman Chris Smith and other members of Congress, Balofin acknowledged the suffering experienced by Christian communities in Nigeria but urged U.S. lawmakers to take a balanced and fact-based approach to the country’s security challenges.

He argued that most recent violence is driven primarily by criminal banditry, mass kidnappings, and resource conflicts—not religious extremism. According to him, the dominant threat has shifted from Boko Haram’s religious insurgency to widespread criminal activities that affect both Muslims and Christians, noting that more than 60 per cent of abductions recorded in 2025 in states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna occurred in predominantly Muslim communities.

Balofin outlined what he described as significant security gains under President Bola Tinubu, attributing them to increased military deployments, the use of U.S.-supplied Super Tucano aircraft, and operations such as Operation Accord. He claimed these efforts had led to the neutralisation of numerous criminal leaders, the rescue of thousands of hostages, and a 28 per cent reduction in communal violence fatalities this year.

He urged Congress to support ongoing cooperation by adopting three measures:
– establishing a joint U.S.–Nigeria Religious Freedom and Security Working Group;
– expanding USAID-funded community resilience programmes;
– and creating a transparent Victims of Violence Trust Fund for all affected communities.

Balofin cautioned that sanctions could weaken existing security partnerships and empower extremist groups. He added that, as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, genuine suffering is increasingly being politicised.

He appealed to lawmakers to promote “the full truth” rather than narratives influenced by politics or selective reporting.

He said, “Chairman Smith, you have long been a defender of persecuted Christians worldwide, including in Nigeria. Today, I am asking that you continue championing the full truth and supporting a strong U.S.–Nigeria partnership that protects people of all faiths.”

He concluded by expressing appreciation “on behalf of President Tinubu and 220 million Nigerians who simply want peace.”

Balofin’s presentation came a day after U.S. lawmakers heard testimony from a survivor of the June 2025 Yelwata attack in Benue State.

Speaking virtually, the survivor, Msurshima Apeh, recounted how she witnessed the killing of her five children during an attack by suspected armed herdsmen. She described how the assailants locked residents inside the camp before attacking with machetes and firearms, later setting parts of the shelter ablaze. Apeh said she escaped by climbing a tree while her children cried below as they were killed.

She eventually fled through the bush and was later rescued.

The attack, which occurred in June, left numerous civilians and five security personnel dead. Several homes and market stalls were destroyed, with some families completely wiped out.