United States Congressman Riley Moore says “much work still to be done” after holding talks with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on the country’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement on X on Monday, Moore said the discussions centred on terrorism in the North-East and continued violence in the Middle Belt — issues he described as a priority for both himself and President Donald Trump.
The meeting comes during a period of diplomatic strain following President Trump’s decision to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom — a move that has triggered heated debate in both countries.
On November 1, Trump announced that he had ordered the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, saying the move was intended to defend Christian communities.
However, the Nigerian government swiftly dismissed the claims, with President Bola Tinubu reiterating that Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and the protection of all citizens regardless of faith.
The U.S. warning has since attracted global reactions, as major powers such as China and Russia declared support for President Tinubu and called on Washington to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
According to him, both sides reviewed several practical measures that could strengthen security if implemented.
“There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length, that if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians… particularly in the Middle Belt of the country,” he wrote.
Moore also referenced the rescue of 100 abducted pupils from the Catholic school in Niger State, thanking the Nigerian authorities and President Bola Tinubu. “This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation,” he added.
He said the concerns raised by the US delegation were “positively received” and noted the existence of “a now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US” as a sign of growing cooperation. Still, he stressed that “openness has to translate to concrete action.”
The congressman expressed cautious optimism: “There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with the Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue.”
He ended his post by saying, “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”
On Sunday, Ribadu confirmed that he had met with a US congressional delegation as part of broader security consultations. He noted that earlier discussions held in Washington had focused on shared security concerns. The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also in attendance.
Ribadu said the talks covered “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability” and ways to deepen security ties between both nations, expressing hope that the engagement would strengthen trust and collaboration.
Moore warns FG not to underestimate Trump’s resolve over Christian killings
Moore had earlier cautioned the Nigerian government against downplaying President Donald Trump’s readiness to intervene over the persistent killings of Christians in the country.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, Moore said President Trump would not hesitate to act decisively if the violence continues.
“Do not test President Trump’s resolve – he is serious about ending the ongoing slaughter of Christians in Nigeria,” Moore warned.
The lawmaker also appealed to Nigerian authorities to collaborate with the United States in addressing the crisis.
“I am asking the Nigerian government to do the right thing and partner with the United States to protect Christians and end the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he added.
Earlier, the New Daily Prime reported Moore vowed to brief President Donald Trump soon, following Trump’s statement emphasising that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria.
Trump, in a video shared by the White House on its X handle, renewed his claim that “Nigeria is a country of concern” under US law, citing what he described as large-scale killings of Christians by Islamic terrorists in the West African country.
Commenting via his X handle, Moore commended Trump for defending persecuted Christians, especially in Nigeria, saying, “Thank you, President Trump, for your incredible leadership in defending persecuted Christians, especially in Nigeria. Your bold and decisive action to protect our brothers and sisters in Christ will save thousands of lives. I am on it and will have more for you soon.”
This paper earlier reported Beijing had earlier condemned Trump’s statement, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stressing that “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”
Responding via X, Moore dismissed China’s objection, branding the Asian nation a “Communist autocracy.”
“President Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured to by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities in concentration camps,” Moore stated.
