US Panel Accuses Nigerian Police, Army of Colluding with Fulani Militias

By Tgnews Reporter

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has accused some officers in Nigeria’s police and army of colluding with Fulani militias in deadly attacks and mass abductions targeting religious communities across the country.

In its May 2026 report titled “Non-state Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants,” the commission highlighted how government censorship and conflicting narratives have hindered proper understanding of the violence. It noted that ransom negotiations and possible collusion between perpetrators and some security officials have kept the fate of many kidnapping victims unknown to the public.

The report estimates that about 30,000 armed actors operate in loosely organised groups across Nigeria, with activities concentrated in the North-West, Middle Belt, and parts of the South. It stated that escalating violence in the Middle Belt has displaced at least 1.3 million people, forcing many into overcrowded displacement camps.

Fulani militants frequently attack isolated rural communities at night using motorcycles, automatic weapons, and machetes, often targeting residents to seize land and instil fear.

The commission documented several major incidents in 2025 and early 2026, including attacks in Benue and Plateau states that killed hundreds, many of them Christians. Some assaults were deliberately timed to coincide with Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter to maximise psychological impact.

The report also acknowledged that while some violence is driven by environmental and economic factors, religion plays a significant role in many cases, with militants sometimes coordinating with bandit groups and terrorist organisations.

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Separately, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth revealed that President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Nigerian Christians targeted by ISIS. Hegseth said the directive quietly contributed to the elimination of ISIS’ second-in-command in Nigeria.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) welcomed the report, saying it confirms long-held suspicions of collusion within the security architecture. MBF National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, called for stronger US-Nigeria cooperation to identify and remove elements aiding insurgents within the system.

Afenifere also said the commission’s findings should not be dismissed. Its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, noted that the persistence of terrorism suggests complicity from powerful quarters and urged security agencies to investigate internal sabotage.

Efforts by Vanguard to obtain reactions from the Nigeria Police Force and Defence Headquarters were unsuccessful as spokesmen did not respond to calls or messages.

The USCIRF urged the US Congress to bar paid lobbying by individuals working for governments designated as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations. Nigeria was re-designated as a CPC in 2025.

The commission further recommended increased support for religious minorities, funding for displaced persons, and a review of US assistance to ensure it advances religious freedom.