Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore has held high-level discussions with a senior Nigerian delegation in Washington, focusing on the persistent persecution of Christians and the broader terrorist threat facing the country.
The meeting, led on the Nigerian side by Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, was described as “frank, honest, and productive”. The delegation outlined the Abuja government’s challenges in countering terrorism, protecting vulnerable communities, and addressing widespread violence, particularly in the north-east and Middle Belt regions.
Congressman Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, emphasised Washington’s readiness to deepen security cooperation, while making clear that continued violence against Christians would not be tolerated under the current US administration. Referencing President Trump’s previous statements on the issue, he stated that the United States “will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution” and warned that President Trump “does not make idle threats”.
In a subsequent statement, Congressman Moore said: “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 Saviour Jesus Christ. We stand ready to work cooperatively with Nigeria to help combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants. The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States.”
The congressman urged Abuja to accept extended US assistance to disrupt terrorist groups and end attacks on Christian communities.
The Nigerian delegation included:
- Mallam Nuhu Ribadu – National Security Adviser (head of delegation)
- 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
- Lt Gen EAP Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
- Ms Idayat Hassan – Special Adviser to the Office of the National Security Adviser
- Ambassador Ibrahim Babani – Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA
- Ambassador Nuru Biu – Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria
- Mr Paul Alabi – Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria
Congressman Moore has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and pressing for concrete action to halt the violence.
