Nigerian government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and other top security chief have held high-level talks with A United States congressman, Riley M. Moore, a meet over concerns about rising attacks on Christians and the expanding footprint of terrorist groups in Nigeria.
The Nigerian team included several senior officials: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt-Gen. E. A. P. Undiendeye, among other top security leaders.
Speaking after the meeting, through statement posted on his official X handle on Wednesday night, Moore described the discussions, which took place in Washington, D.C., as “direct, sincere, and constructive,” adding that both sides examined counterterrorism measures, security cooperation, and ways to better protect at-risk communities across the country.
Moore also criticised the scale of religiously targeted violence in Nigeria, particularly against Christian communities, insisting that the situation requires decisive intervention.
The US lawmaker said he had impressed upon the visiting delegation that the US expects concrete actions to curb killings, displacements, and other forms of persecution.
Moore, who said Washington remains prepared to assist Nigeria in confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed groups responsible for attacks in the North-East and Middle Belt, also that the moment offers Abuja a chance to reinforce its partnership with the US, adding that both President Trump and members of Congress are aligned in their determination to address the crisis.
According to him, American lawmakers will be watching closely to see whether Nigeria accepts offers of cooperation and moves decisively to halt the bloodshed.
Nigerian officials, for their part, briefed the congressman on the security pressures facing the government, ranging from civilian protection to the operational challenges of fighting terrorism while coordinating with international partners.
