Political commentator and public affairs analyst, Mahdi Shehu, has questioned the intentions behind the recent visit of a United States delegation to Nigeria, alleging that the mission is biased and aimed at undermining Islamic laws in the northern region. His claims, made in a post on X, have stirred fresh debate about foreign involvement in Nigeria’s internal affairs, especially on sensitive religious and security issues.
Shehu, known for his outspoken criticism of government policies and international relations, accused the U.S. of ignoring the broad realities of insecurity in Nigeria. He argued that the American team is selectively engaging with certain groups, particularly Christian organisations, rather than carrying out a balanced assessment of victims of violence in the country.
In his lengthy post, Shehu expanded his criticism beyond Nigeria, claiming that the United States has a long and troubling history of violence in many parts of the world. He argued that “endless examples have been given covering the world stage where America has been responsible for the wanton killings of innocent Christians over the last 100 years.”
He added that Muslim-majority countries have suffered similar tragedies, saying, “from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, etc., America has been notorious for the killing of innocent Muslims.”
His remarks echo long-standing sentiments among some analysts who believe the U.S. often uses foreign policy and military action to advance its global interests, sometimes with devastating consequences for civilians. However, his critics have argued that such claims ignore the complexity of U.S. involvement in global security, including counter-terrorism operations and peacekeeping missions.
Shehu’s main concern is the reported approach of the American delegation currently holding meetings in Nigeria. According to him, their interest appears to be focused mainly on Christian pressure groups and organisations. He claimed that the U.S. is ignoring evidence showing that Muslims—particularly in the North—have been heavily affected by terror attacks, including violence from Boko Haram, ISWAP, rural bandit gangs, and other criminal groups.
“The mission of American delegates currently in Nigeria is not to verify that Muslims have been more on the receiving end of terror attacks and death… but to selectively engage the Christian community and pressure groups so as to write their report from one-sided narrative,” he alleged.
This claim comes at a time when Nigeria continues to battle widespread insecurity, with thousands of victims across religious and ethnic backgrounds. For more than a decade, extremist groups have targeted both Muslim and Christian communities, as well as traditional rulers, security agents, rural dwellers, and travellers.
International observers, including the U.S., often document religious-related violence in Nigeria, especially attacks on Christian communities in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and parts of the Middle Belt. However, many northern leaders have repeatedly insisted that the region’s Muslim population suffers even more from terror activities, since many of the attacks occur in predominantly Muslim rural areas.
Shehu went further to accuse the U.S. of attempting to interfere with legal systems in northern Nigeria. He said the alleged plan to remove Sharia-related provisions from state laws is “a clear confirmation that America and its local and foreign instigators are only hiding behind ‘Fulani terrorist, Fulani kidnappers, ISWAP, Boko Haram.’”
Northern Nigeria operates a dual legal system consisting of common law and Sharia law, especially in states such as Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Bauchi. The Sharia system, which covers civil and family matters, was expanded in the early 2000s and remains a sensitive issue in national politics.
According to Shehu, the supposed effort to tamper with Sharia provisions is seen by many northern Muslims as an attack on their identity, culture, and religious rights.
In the closing part of his statement, Shehu alleged that the U.S. aims to weaken northern Muslim communities in order to gain access to the region’s natural resources. He claimed the ultimate goal is to “intimidate Muslims, blackmail, kill, maim, dispossess, and make them refugees so that they can feast on the vast mineral deposits lying buried all over the North.”
The North is believed to hold significant mineral deposits, including gold, lithium, gemstones, limestone, and other solid minerals that have attracted both local and foreign interest. However, insecurity has prevented large-scale exploration and investment.
Shehu’s remarks reflect a broader suspicion shared by some Nigerians who believe that foreign governments may be involved in the country’s internal affairs for economic gain. Although these claims are not supported by independent evidence, they continue to influence public discussion, particularly in northern political circles.
The United States and Nigeria maintain strong diplomatic ties, with cooperation in defence, health, education, and investment. Over the years, U.S. delegations have visited Nigeria to discuss issues such as human rights, terrorism, democratic reforms, and religious freedom.
However, U.S. reports have often criticised Nigeria for religious-related violence, leading to tensions with Nigerian leaders who argue that the situation is more complex than foreign observers portray.
Nigeria remains a religiously diverse country with roughly equal numbers of Christians and Muslims. Both communities have suffered from insecurity, economic hardship, ethnic tensions, and poor governance.
Shehu’s comments have generated a mix of support and criticism online. Some Nigerians agree with his concerns, saying the North has been unfairly portrayed in global discussions about insecurity. Others say his statements could deepen religious mistrust and complicate Nigeria’s engagement with foreign partners.
