The push to halt the alleged deliberate violence against Christians in Nigeria took centre stage in Washington, D.C., as U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore held a high-level meeting with a visiting delegation of senior Nigerian government officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The engagement, held on Thursday, focused on the worsening attacks on Christian communities, the expanding threat of terrorism, and the need for closer cooperation between both nations in addressing insecurity across Nigeria.
The discussion touched on Nigeria’s ongoing challenges in counterterrorism operations, gaps in security assistance, and the protection of vulnerable populations affected by attacks carried out by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed groups in several regions.
Congressman Moore stressed the urgency of visible progress in safeguarding Christians who continue to experience killings, displacement and targeted assaults.
He reaffirmed the readiness of the United States to work with Nigeria on coordinated strategies to tackle the extremist threats destabilising communities, especially in the Northeast and Middle Belt.
Moore stated that the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump’s renewed stance on global religious freedom, remains firm about ending violence targeted at Christians.
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He emphasised that Nigeria has an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the United States by embracing deeper collaboration on security intelligence, counterterrorism measures and protection of human rights.
“The discussion was frank, honest, and productive,” Moore said after the meeting. He stressed that American support would be matched with strong expectations that Nigerian authorities demonstrate measurable steps in curbing attacks, preventing further bloodshed, and ensuring Christians can live and worship without fear.
The Nigerian delegation outlined its current efforts, security gaps and ongoing reforms, reiterating its commitment to stabilising troubled regions. Members of the team included senior defence, intelligence, police, and foreign affairs officials who form the core of Nigeria’s national security architecture.
Those present at the meeting were:
- Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser and head of the delegation
- Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
- Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police
- Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi 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 NSA
- 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
The meeting comes at a time when international partners are intensifying scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, with renewed calls for accountability, stronger military response, and enhanced protection of religious minorities.
Moore pledged to keep monitoring developments as both countries explore expanded cooperation aimed at restoring peace and preventing further loss of life.
Crediblenewsng.com
