United States Congressman Riley Moore has voiced grave concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security climate, warning that “much work still remains” after high-level talks with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja.
Moore, who is part of a U.S. congressional fact-finding team visiting Nigeria, said in a statement posted on X on Monday, December 8, 2025, that discussions zeroed in on surging terrorist activity in the North-East and ongoing killings across the Middle Belt.
He described the situation as a top priority for himself and U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to him, the delegation and Nigerian officials reviewed a series of “concrete steps and actions” that, if fully implemented, could significantly improve national security.
“There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length that, if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the North-East, and stop the killing of Christians—an issue of particular concern for @POTUS and me—especially in the Middle Belt,” Moore wrote.
He also praised the Nigerian government for the recent rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, describing the operation as a sign of renewed urgency under President Bola Tinubu.
“I want to thank the Nigerian government and @officialABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children. This demonstrates an increasing response to the security situation and reflects commitment to President Tinubu’s emergency declaration,” he said.
Moore noted that U.S. concerns were “positively received” during the meeting and cited what he called a “now established joint task force between Nigeria and the U.S.” as evidence of growing cooperation.
“It is clear there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action,” he added.
Despite his optimism, he stressed that “there is much work still to be done” but said he looks forward to further engagements and continued dialogue.
He ended his message with a blessing: “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”
The Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed the visit on Sunday, saying it forms part of ongoing bilateral security consultations.
Ribadu, in a statement on X, said the delegation’s arrival followed earlier talks in Washington, D.C., focused on shared security priorities.
“This morning, I received a U.S. Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria,” he said, noting that U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills joined the meeting, underscoring its importance.
Ribadu said the talks addressed “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability,” and efforts to strengthen the strategic security partnership between both nations.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he added.
The meeting comes amid rising diplomatic tensions following President Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom, a move that has triggered warnings of possible U.S. military involvement.
Nigeria has strongly rejected claims of systemic Christian persecution, insisting that insecurity affects citizens across all faiths.
On November 20, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Ribadu at the Pentagon for talks on coordinated strategies to address Nigeria’s security crisis. On the same day, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa opened a public hearing to scrutinize the implications of Trump’s redesignation.
Last week, House Republicans escalated their pressure, warning of “rising religious violence” during a briefing convened at Trump’s instruction.
The president had directed Moore and the House Appropriations Committee on October 31 to investigate what he called the widespread killing of Christians in Nigeria and to report their findings to the White House.
