US congressman Riley M. Moore met with a top Nigerian team led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to examine the purported escalation of Christian persecution and the growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria.
Moore described the debate as “frank, honest, and productive,” with an emphasis on counterterrorism, security aid, and the protection of vulnerable people in Nigeria.
The US senator announced this in a brief statement posted on X on Wednesday night, stating that the high-level meeting was held 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 stressed 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 terrorist 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 called on 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 discussed challenges in securing the country, such as protecting civilians, combating terrorism, and coordinating with international partners.
Moore stated that the US will closely monitor developments and expects Nigeria to accept offers of cooperation to end the bloodshed.
Moore had previously on Sunday questioned President Bola Tinubu’s claims that Nigeria does not support religious persecution, claiming that the reality on the ground contradicts the president’s public remarks.
In a post on Tuesday, he decried the recent kidnapping of schoolgirls from the Government Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State’s Danko-Wasagu LGA.
Moore criticized the incident and asked 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.
