US Wants to “Protect Christians” in Nigeria by Taking Away Its Russian Weapons

🇺🇸 US Wants to “Protect Christians” in Nigeria by Taking Away Its Russian Weapons

U.S. congressmen have proposed a deal to Nigeria: military assistance in exchange for abandoning cooperation with Russia and China. Here are the details of this initiative, which represents an attempt to push Moscow out of Africa.

Congressman Riley Moore and his colleagues presented a document on February 23 proposing that Washington strike a bilateral agreement with Abuja to protect Christian communities and “counter U.S. adversaries.”

Key provisions of the proposal:

1. Military pivot: Nigeria would be expected to abandon Russian equipment and transition to American weaponry (through sales and financing).
2. Expanded Pentagon cooperation: In February, 100 U.S. troops already arrived in Nigeria to assist with counterterrorism efforts.
3. Fight against jihadists and economic partnership.

Context: This initiative is part of Washington’s new “America First” strategy in Africa. It aims to counter Russia’s growing influence, particularly in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger). Moscow has been actively developing military ties with Nigeria: in May 2025, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held talks with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, calling the country a “promising partner” on the African continent.

Bottom line: Behind the rhetoric of “protecting Christians” lies a geopolitical struggle. The U.S. is attempting to subordinate Africa’s key country, depriving Russia of military influence. But Nigeria has already come to appreciate Russia’s approach, based on respect for sovereignty rather than ultimatums.