U.S. Lawmaker Tells Nigeria to Provide ‘Concrete Proof’ of Efforts to Protect Christians After High-Level Security Talks
Story: written by Daniel November 20,2025
U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has cautioned that Nigeria must present clear, measurable actions to safeguard Christian communities, following a closed-door security meeting with a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
The meeting came amid ongoing concern in the United States over religiously targeted attacks in Nigeria’s Northeast and Middle Belt, where extremist groups and armed militias have repeatedly assaulted villages, churches, and Christian populations.
Moore said Washington is prepared to strengthen security ties with Nigeria, but stressed that Congress will only back deeper cooperation if Abuja demonstrates visible progress on protecting vulnerable groups.
“I made it unmistakably clear that the U.S. expects concrete steps to ensure that Christians are not subjected to violence, persecution, displacement, or death,” Moore stated after the meeting.
He referenced persistent threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani militias, noting that these groups continue to endanger rural communities. He added that the U.S. expects Nigeria to adopt more forceful and proactive security measures.
During the engagement, Nigerian officials briefed Moore on counterterrorism operations, the strain on security agencies, and the complexities of managing multiple conflict zones simultaneously. Discussions also covered intelligence cooperation and potential areas of expanded U.S. support.
Moore signaled strong political pressure in Washington for action on religious persecution, aligning his comments with former President Donald Trump’s vocal stance on Christian-targeted violence. He said both Trump and Congress remain “resolute in ending attacks on Christians and dismantling terrorist networks in Nigeria.”
The meeting marks one of the highest-profile interactions between U.S. legislators and Nigerian national security leaders since renewed debates in Washington over human-rights concerns and military collaboration.
The Nigerian delegation comprised:
- Nuhu Ribadu — National Security Adviser (head of delegation)
- Bianca Ojukwu — Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
- Kayode Egbetokun — Inspector General of Police
- Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi — Attorney General of the Federation
- Gen. Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede — Chief of Defence Staff
- Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye — Chief of Defence Intelligence
- Idayat Hassan — Special Adviser, Office of the NSA
- Ambassador Ibrahim Babani — Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA
- Ambassador Nuru Biu — Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Nigerian Embassy
- Paul Alabi — Political & Economic Section, Nigerian Embassy
