U.S. Commends Nigeria’s Response to Fulani Militant Attacks

…Urges Protection of Christians in Middle Belt

Our Correspondent

The United States has commended Nigeria’s security response to the latest wave of attacks by Fulani militant groups in the Middle Belt, while pledging continued partnership to protect vulnerable Christian communities.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs made the commendation in a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, September 29, 2026.

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

“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.”

The statement is one of the most direct acknowledgments from Washington in recent months that the violence in Plateau State is being driven by Fulani ethnic militias and that Christians in the Middle Belt face a distinct threat.

Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State has been the epicentre of renewed bloodshed in September.

According to local reports, at least six people were killed and two others injured on September 27 after gunmen attacked a mining site in Lajam Marit village, Ropp District, in Barkin Ladi.

Just days earlier, on September 19-20, at least nine people were killed in coordinated ambushes in Gana-Ropp and Dorowa Babuje, also in Barkin Ladi. Among the victims were a Baptist pastor and his secretary who were reportedly killed while travelling to church services.

Five of the victims were labourers travelling to Gana-Ropp when they were ambushed, according to the Pyem Youth Leader who confirmed the recovery of their bodies.

The escalating attacks forced the Plateau State Government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs, ordering residents to remain indoors between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice.

The commendation comes amid intensified military operations by Nigerian troops.

The supportive tone from the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, led by Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia, stands in contrast to more critical voices in Congress.

Just days earlier, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna pressed Secretary of State Marco Rubio directly over the crisis, alleging security forces were struggling to contain the violence.

Nigeria’s Middle Belt, comprising Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Taraba and parts of Nasarawa, has witnessed varying levels of armed attacks, kidnapping, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts in recent months.

The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs said its partnership with Abuja on protecting communities in the region would continue.

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