Nigeria, July 16 -- The United States has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as part of broader discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The call was made during a visit to Abuja by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, who held a series of high-level meetings with senior Nigerian government officials to deepen the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership.

During the visit, Garcia met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa; ...