Congressman Moore Meets Nigerian Officials on Security

U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore on Tuesday held high-level security talks with a delegation of senior Nigerian officials in Washington, D.C., focusing on the rising persecution of Christians and the wider threat of terrorism across Nigeria.

The meeting, led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, centered on deepening counterterrorism cooperation and urging more robust protection for vulnerable communities.

Moore said the United States is prepared to strengthen coordination with Nigeria but stressed that Washington expects “tangible steps” to curb religious persecution and attacks carried out by extremist groups. He warned that the U.S., echoing former President Donald Trump’s stance, will not tolerate continued violence against Christians.

The Nigerian delegation acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, including the operations of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and violent extremist networks operating in the Northeast and Middle Belt. Officials also briefed the congressman on the Nigerian government’s efforts, concerns, and gaps in counterterrorism response, security assistance, and community protection.

In a statement after the meeting, Moore described the engagement as “frank, honest, and productive,” noting that both sides had the opportunity to discuss actionable areas for collaboration. He emphasized that religiously targeted killings, forced displacement, and attacks on churches remain a grave concern for the U.S.

“I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Moore said.

He reiterated the readiness of the U.S. government to support Nigeria in dismantling Boko Haram, ISWAP, and violent Fulani militant networks responsible for widespread killings. According to him, an enhanced security partnership would help Nigeria stabilize affected regions while strengthening diplomatic ties with Washington.

Moore added that President Trump and members of Congress remain united in their resolve to end violence against Christians and disrupt terrorist groups operating within Nigeria. He urged the Nigerian government to embrace deeper coordination with American security agencies.

“The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States. President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria,” he said.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 16.05% in October 2025

The meeting comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent attacks, mass kidnappings, and sectarian violence, particularly in rural communities. Analysts say the renewed push for U.S.-Nigeria collaboration may signal fresh diplomatic engagement aimed at addressing the longstanding crisis.

The Nigerian delegation to Washington included:
– Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser and head of delegation;
– Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu;
– Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun;
– Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN;
– Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede;
– Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye;
– Special Adviser to the NSA, Ms. Idayat Hassan;
– Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations (ONSA);
– Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria;
– Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.