Riley Moore, United States Congressman has warned that Nigeria still faces “much work” in tackling escalating terrorist attacks and persistent religious killings, after security talks with Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser in Abuja.
Moore expressed deep concern over escalating terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s North-East and the persistent killings in the Middle Belt.
Moore, who disclosed the outcomes of his meeting with Ribadu, in a statement posted on X on Monday, said the discussions were driven by what he described as a specific concern for US President Donald Trump and himself regarding ongoing violence, particularly against Christian communities.
According to him, the delegation held extensive engagements with Nigerian security officials, reviewing “concrete steps and actions” that could deliver significant improvements if fully implemented.
“There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length, that if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt,” Moore wrote.
The congressman also commended the Federal Government for securing the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School in Niger State, describing the operation as a positive signal of Nigeria’s growing responsiveness to its security challenges.
“I want to thank the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic schoolchildren.
“This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu”, he said.
Moore noted that US concerns were “positively received” during the meeting and cited the “now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US” as evidence of improving cooperation between both countries.
However, he emphasised that goodwill must translate into sustained action.
“It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, the congressman said he remained optimistic.
“There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with the Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue. Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria”, he concluded.
The NSA had on Sunday confirmed receiving the US congressional team in Abuja as part of continuing bilateral consultations.
Ribadu said the discussions followed earlier meetings in Washington, DC, and were attended by Richard Mills, US Ambassador to Nigeria, a move he said showed the seriousness both nations attach to the talks.
“As part of ongoing security engagements, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington on shared security priorities,” the NSA posted on X.
He said the talks focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the strategic security partnership.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security,” Ribadu added.
