The source of funding for Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria remains unclear, according to U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga, who expressed concern over ongoing religiously targeted violence in the country.
Huizenga made the remarks during an interview with Arise News, monitored by Diaspora Digital Media, where he addressed insecurity, religious persecution, and potential U.S. responses to worsening violence in Nigeria.
He highlighted that attacks by radical Islamist groups and Fulani militants continue to target both Christians and moderate Muslims.
“It’s hard to deny that when you see 200 Christians slaughtered on Christmas Eve a few years ago, it was clearly a coordinated attack,” he said.
Huizenga stressed that affected communities feel deliberately targeted. “When homes are invaded or people are attacked in the middle of the night, this is not random they feel singled out.”
Reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments condemning the killings, Huizenga said, “I, too, was surprised by how forcefully the president spoke.
I suspect direct military intervention in Nigeria is not a high priority. Instead, other forms of action like sanctions and economic pressure would likely be preferred.”
He ruled out the possibility of an immediate U.S. military response, citing alternative approaches to address the crisis.
“Sanctions and economic restrictions could effectively cut off funding and limit travel for terrorist operatives,” he explained.
The congressman also pointed out that the ongoing U.S. government shutdown had delayed congressional hearings that could draw attention to Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Our priority has been reopening domestic government operations, but international issues remain important,” he said.
Huizenga emphasized that applying economic pressure can significantly disrupt terrorist activities, even as the identity of funders remains unknown.
“We don’t yet know exactly who finances these operations whether Fulani groups or Boko Haram but targeting financial channels will have an impact,” he said.
He concluded by urging the Nigerian government to take the security crisis more seriously.
“I want this issue treated with urgency. I’m not convinced Nigeria has acted as decisively as needed,” Huizenga added.
These comments come amid renewed debate on the U.S. stance toward Nigeria’s security situation, following President Trump’s condemnation of mass killings in northern Nigeria.