US praises Nigeria’s ‘strong response’ to militia attacks in Middle Belt

The United States has commended Nigeria’s response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt, especially in Plateau State.

The US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, in an X post on Tuesday, also urged the Federal Government to sustain efforts to protect communities in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.

“The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups,” the bureau said.

“We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt.

“We urge Nigeria to continue the momentum and defend the Barkin Ladi communities in particular.”

Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly the north-central region comprising Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau among others has witnessed varying levels of armed attacks, kidnapping, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts in recent months.

The US comment comes amid renewed efforts to protect parts of communities in Barkin Ladi which militants have been targeting.

Five days ago, the Plateau Government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs following a series of attacks, attempted attacks and reprisals. Residents were ordered to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am until further notice.

 The US Military has a partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to flush out militants attacking communities. The partnership has seen joint military strikes and delivery of equipment to the Nigerian Forces to deal with insurgents.