U.S. lawmaker says talks with Nigerian officials on Christian persecution ‘frank, honest, productive’
In a high-stakes Washington meeting, a top U.S. official tells a powerful Nigerian delegation that concrete action is needed to stop the violence and repair the bilateral relationship.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A high-level Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, held a critical meeting with U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore on Wednesday, aiming to counter escalating allegations of religious persecution and terrorism that are straining diplomatic ties.
The meeting, which Congressman Moore described as “frank, honest, and productive,” focused on the surge in religious violence, Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, and the protection of its most vulnerable communities.
Moore, appointed by former President Donald Trump to investigate claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, stated he delivered a direct message to the Nigerian officials.
“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 in a statement on X.
He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to assist Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants, stating, “We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism… against their population.”
The Nigerian delegation included key figures such as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, signaling the importance Abuja placed on the talks.
The meeting occurred against a backdrop of heightened diplomatic friction. Earlier this month, the U.S. redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for severe violations of religious freedom.
Tensions were further inflamed after Nigerian diplomats were excluded from a recent UN event on Christian persecution where U.S. rapper Nicki Minaj testified.
Congressman Moore has consistently challenged President Bola Tinubu’s denial that religious persecution is state-sponsored, insisting the reality on the ground contradicts official statements.
He recently pointed to the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State as a tragic example of the ongoing insecurity.
During the meeting, Nigerian officials are believed to have detailed the complexities of their counterterrorism operations and the challenges of protecting civilians across vast territories.
Despite these explanations, Moore emphasized that the U.S. would maintain close scrutiny.
“The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States,” he stated.
“President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.”
As of late Wednesday, the senior Nigerian officials in attendance had not released any public statements regarding the outcome of the high-stakes engagement.
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