US Congressman Riley M. Moore has stated that the Nigerian government must meet two key conditions before any partnership with the US military to address Nigeria’s security challenges can be considered.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Rep. Moore said the first requirement is the release of Sunday Jackson, a Nigerian farmer sentenced to death for killing a Fulani herdsman in what he insists was an act of self-defence. Jackson was convicted after allegedly defending his farm from an intruding herdsman.
The Congressman stressed that Jackson’s release is essential before the United States would consider collaborating with Nigeria to combat the country’s decade-long security crisis.
According to Moore, the second condition is for the Nigerian government to present a credible and actionable plan to disarm violent Fulani militants believed to be fueling unrest across the Middle Belt.
“It sounds like they are open to partner with the United States to stop these killings. They met with myself and the administration as well. We made some progress… but there are a lot of things they need to do,” he said.
“One of the first steps is releasing Sunday Jackson. Another is working with us on a plan to disarm the radical Fulani militants in the Middle Belt of the country.”
