Congressman Moore Meets Ribadu, Ojukwu, Egbetokun Over Christian Persecution

Congressman Riley M. Moore met in Washington on Wednesday with a high-level delegation of senior Nigerian government officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The meeting focused on the persistent persecution of Christians in Nigeria, the country’s ongoing struggle with terrorism, and ways to strengthen U.S.–Nigeria cooperation to curb violence.

According to Moore’s office, the discussion was described as frank, honest, and productive, providing both sides with an opportunity to outline their concerns and potential avenues for collaboration. The Nigerian delegation detailed the government’s challenges in counterterrorism operations, security assistance, and the protection of vulnerable communities amid widespread violence across regions of the country.

Moore emphasised that the United States is prepared to deepen coordination with Nigeria but stressed that progress must include concrete steps to protect Christians and other targeted groups. He reiterated that, consistent with former President Donald Trump’s stance, the U.S. will not tolerate ongoing religious persecution or unchecked violence.

“Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria,” Moore said in a statement following the meeting. “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 Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Moore stated that the U.S. stands ready to work with Nigeria to combat extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants, particularly in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions. He noted that the Nigerian government has an opportunity to strengthen its partnership with the United States and urged leaders to take advantage of that open hand of cooperation.

“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,” he said. “I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue.”

Members of the Nigerian Delegation Included:

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu – National Security Adviser and Leader of the Delegation

Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

Mr Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police

Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN – Attorney General of the Federation

General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff

Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence

Ms Idayat Hassan – Special Adviser to the Office of the National Security Adviser

Ambassador Ibrahim Babani – Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA

Ambassador Nuru Biu – Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria

Paul Alabi – Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria