•Riley Moore and Nuhu Ribadu
US Congressman, Riley M. Moore, met with a senior Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss the alleged escalating persecution of Christians and the growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria.
The discussion, described by Moore as “frank, honest, and productive,” focused on counterterrorism, security assistance, and protection of vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
The US lawmaker disclosed this in a short statement he shared on X last night, noting that the high-level meeting took place in Washington, D.C.
The Nigerian delegation included top officials such as “Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; and Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, among others,” the release noted.
In the statement, Moore said, “Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria.”
He emphasised the urgent need for concrete action, warning that religious violence cannot continue unchecked.
“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,” it read.
Moore also highlighted the U.S. commitment to helping Nigeria fight militant groups.
“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria,” he further noted.
He urged the Nigerian government to seize the opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States.
“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. I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue,” he added.
During the meeting, Nigerian officials reportedly shared the challenges they face in securing the nation, including the protection of civilians, combating terrorism, and coordinating with international partners.
Moore underscored that the U.S. will monitor developments closely and expects Nigeria to accept offers of cooperation to end ongoing bloodshed.
Last night neither Ribadu, Egbetokun nor the foreign minister had issued an official statement on the meeting as of press time, reports The PUNCH.
Moore, earlier on Sunday, faulted President Bola Tinubu’s claims that Nigeria does not encourage religious persecution, insisting that the reality on the ground contradicts the President’s public statements.
In a Tuesday post, he, again, condemned the recent abduction of schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Moore condemned the incident and called for prayers for the victims.
“Please join me in praying for the 25 girls who have been kidnapped and for the repose of the soul of their vice principal, who was killed,” he wrote.
The meeting took place just hours before a high-profile open hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, which will today scrutinize President Trump’s recent move to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Set for 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building, the hearing—also accessible via live webcast—will be presided over by Representative Chris Smith.
Lawmakers are expected to take testimony from two panels, comprising senior officials from the U.S. State Department as well as prominent Nigerian religious leaders.
According to an invitation sent to members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and sighted by our correspondent, “You are respectfully requested to attend an open hearing of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to be held by the Subcommittee on Africa at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building.”
The document further confirmed that the first panel will include Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official of the Bureau of African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
A second panel is expected to feature Ms Nina Shea, Director of the Center for Religious Freedom; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms Oge Onubogu of the Center for Strategic & International Studies.
The hearing is anticipated to take a comprehensive look at religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible U.S. policy actions— ranging from targeted sanctions and humanitarian support to deeper cooperation with Nigerian authorities aimed at curbing continuing violence.
