The United States has commended the Nigerian government and security forces for what it described as a “strong response” to the latest wave of attacks by armed Fulani militant groups in the Middle Belt, pledging continued cooperation with Abuja to protect vulnerable Christian communities.
In a statement by the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, Washington specifically praised Nigeria’s handling of the renewed violence and urged the government and military to sustain the momentum, particularly in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups,” the US government 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.”
The public commendation comes amid renewed security operations following a series of deadly attacks and reprisals in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities.
Nigerian troops have in recent days intensified operations across the troubled areas, deploying reinforcements and conducting fighting patrols aimed at preventing further attacks and reprisals.
In one of the recent incidents, troops responding to violence in Barkin Ladi reportedly came under attack but fought back with reinforcements and air support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft, preventing the violence from spreading to neighbouring communities.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, has also engaged community leaders and other stakeholders as security forces intensify efforts to restore calm and improve protection around vulnerable settlements.
The Plateau State Government had earlier imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu local government areas following the renewed violence.
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