By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday led a powerful federal government delegation to Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes meeting with United States Congressman Riley M. Moore, focused on the growing concerns around the persecution of Christians and escalating terrorist threats across Nigeria.
The meeting, held in the US Capitol, provided a rare, direct platform for frank and honest discussions on insecurity, counterterrorism coordination, and the protection of vulnerable communities in Nigeria. Congressman Moore said the United States, under President Donald Trump, was committed to seeing concrete steps taken to halt the killings of Christians and dismantle terrorist networks operating in the country.
According to a statement issued after the closed-door meeting, Congressman Moore said the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians and warned that President Trump does not issue idle threats on matters involving religious freedom and national security.
US Calls For Tangible Action On Christian Persecution
Congressman Moore stressed that Washington expects to see credible and measurable action from the Nigerian government to protect Christian communities and stop the cycle of violence.
“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,”
Moore said.
He expressed readiness for deeper cooperation, adding that the United States and Nigeria have a strategic opportunity to strengthen their security partnership, disrupt terrorism financing, and degrade armed groups causing instability.
Nigeria Outlines Challenges Across Multiple Security Fronts
During the meeting, the Nigerian delegation detailed the government’s security concerns, including Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks, banditry, escalating violence in the Middle Belt, and the increasing sophistication of terror cells operating across Nigeria.
They also highlighted gaps in counterterrorism support, intelligence sharing, and equipment needs, while noting the government’s internal reforms aimed at strengthening national security architecture.
Congressman Moore assured the delegation that the US Congress remains united behind President Trump’s position and committed to ending violence against Christians through stronger bilateral coordination.
Members of the Delegation
The senior Nigerian government delegation included:
• Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser and Leader of Delegation
• Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
• Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police
• Chief Lateef 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 ONSA
• Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA
• Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria
• Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria
Congressman Moore concluded by urging Nigeria to seize this moment to rebuild trust, improve cooperation frameworks, and commit to a joint strategy to stop terrorist groups from further destabilising the nation.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to track the outcome of these engagements and provide updates as events unfold in Washington.
