Nigeria’s top security chiefs hold high-level talks with US congressman Riley Moore

A United States congressman, Riley M. Moore, has held high-level talks with a Nigerian government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, over concerns about rising attacks on Christians and the expanding footprint of terrorist groups in Nigeria.

Moore described the discussions, which took place in Washington, D.C., as “direct, sincere, and constructive,” noting that both sides examined counterterrorism measures, security cooperation, and ways to better protect at-risk communities across the country.

The Nigerian team included several senior officials: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt-Gen. E. A. P. Undiendeye, among other top security leaders.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday night, Moore criticised the scale of religiously targeted violence in Nigeria, particularly against Christian communities, insisting that the situation requires decisive intervention.

He said he had impressed upon the visiting delegation that the US expects concrete actions to curb killings, displacements, and other forms of persecution.

According to him, Washington remains prepared to assist Nigeria in confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed groups responsible for attacks in the North-East and Middle Belt.

Moore stressed that the moment offers Abuja a chance to reinforce its partnership with the US, adding that both President Trump and members of Congress are aligned in their determination to address the crisis.

He said American lawmakers will be watching closely to see whether Nigeria accepts offers of cooperation and moves decisively to halt the bloodshed.

Nigerian officials, for their part, briefed the congressman on the security pressures facing the government, ranging from civilian protection to the operational challenges of fighting terrorism while coordinating with international partners.