Yesterday, a high-level group of US congressmen and diplomats went to Nigeria on a fact-finding mission focusing on security. This was in response to mounting concerns in Washington about reports of Christians being killed in the nation.
Riley Moore, one of the visiting lawmakers, wrote on X, “I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and for the American people.” Just finished a really useful trip to Nigeria and a lot of meetings. More information will be available soon. Have a good Sunday. “God is Great!”
Moore has spoken out a lot about what he says is religious persecution in Nigeria. He wants the U.S. to rethink its military aid and keep a closer eye on how it is used, according to Daily Trust.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, also confirmed the visit on X. He said he welcomed the U.S. Congressional delegation in Abuja after they had already met with him in Washington, D.C. to talk about common security goals.
“This morning, I met with a group of U.S. Congress members who were in Nigeria to gather information. This was after we had talked about common security concerns in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, and Rep. Riley M. Moore were all part of the group.
“Ambassador Richard Mills, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, was also there, which shows how important this meeting is to both countries.”
Ribadu said the talks were mostly about working together to fight terrorism, keeping the area stable, and making the Nigeria–U.S. strategic security partnership stronger.
He stated, “I’m hopeful that this engagement will build trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace and security.”
The visit comes at a time when the U.S. Congress is paying more attention to Nigeria’s security situation, especially the reports of Christians being killed on purpose in the North.
Several U.S. lawmakers, such as those on the House Appropriations Committee and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), have said that the Nigerian government has not stopped what they call a “genocidal campaign” by extremist groups and armed militias.
The Nigerian government disagrees with this description, saying that the violence is caused by banditry, terrorism, and fights over resources, not religious persecution.
Still, the Trump administration recently named Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), which added to the pressure from other countries.
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