United States Congressman Riley Moore has emphasised that Nigeria’s current security situation still demands greater effort, describing the outlook as one that requires sustained and measurable action. His remarks followed a high-level security meeting held in Abuja with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as part of ongoing consultations between both nations.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, the American legislator explained that the conversations centred around the persistent threat of terrorism in the North-East region as well as the recurrent killings in the Middle Belt. According to him, these issues remain a major priority for President Donald Trump and for the United States Congress, which has closely monitored developments in Nigeria over the past months. Okay News reports that Moore stressed the importance of translating dialogue into concrete implementation capable of altering the security landscape.
He revealed that the meeting featured detailed assessments of what he described as “concrete steps and actions” which, if fully carried out, could significantly strengthen national safety across Nigeria. The Congressman stated, “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 north east and stop the killing of Christians (a specific concern for @POTUS and me) – particularly in the Middle Belt of the country.”
Moore also highlighted the recent rescue operation that led to the release of one hundred abducted Catholic schoolchildren. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the successful operation sends an encouraging signal about the administration’s evolving response mechanisms. He said, “I want to thank the Nigerian government and @officialABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children. This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu.”
The American Congressman disclosed that the concerns communicated by the United States delegation were “positively received” and pointed to what he described as an already established joint task force involving Nigeria and the United States. He argued that this represents a new phase in bilateral cooperation targeted at counter-terrorism and the disruption of violent networks.
Despite acknowledging the Nigerian government’s willingness to collaborate, Moore cautioned that willingness alone was not enough. According to him, “It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action.”
He further added that although progress was visible, the journey ahead remained extensive. “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 wrote, concluding with a goodwill message: “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser confirmed through his official X account that his office hosted the visiting congressional delegation as part of the continuing engagement between both countries on shared security concerns. Ribadu stated that the delegation’s arrival in Abuja followed earlier meetings held in Washington, District of Columbia, where both parties reviewed threats and explored avenues to enhance strategic defence cooperation. He noted that the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, also participated in the Abuja meeting, describing his presence as a reflection of the importance attached to the discussions.
Ribadu explained that the conversation centred on counter-terrorism collaboration, regional stability and ways to reinforce the long-term security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen mutual trust and advance peace efforts.
This latest visit comes against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic attention after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of religious freedom violations. The designation, accompanied by warnings of possible United States military involvement, has drawn significant global scrutiny.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has consistently dismissed claims of systemic persecution, insisting that violent attacks affect Nigerians of all religious identities without discrimination. On November twenty, the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, had received Ribadu at the Pentagon to discuss urgent strategies aimed at addressing instability in the country.
On the same day, a United States House Subcommittee on Africa commenced a public hearing analysing the implications of Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. Last week, House Republicans held a joint briefing following President Trump’s directive instructing Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate what he described as the widespread killing of Christians in Nigeria and report their findings.
