United States Congressman Riley Moore says Nigeria must match its commitments with “concrete action” as terrorist attacks and killings continue across the country, particularly in the North-East and Middle Belt.
Moore, who disclosed details of his meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in a post on X on Monday, said insecurity remains a “specific concern” for US President Donald Trump and for himself.
The congressman said both sides discussed a set of measures that could significantly improve security if they are fully implemented.
“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 — a specific concern for @POTUS and me — particularly in the Middle Belt,” he wrote.
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He also commended the Nigerian government for rescuing 100 kidnapped Catholic schoolchildren, describing the move as evidence of a more responsive posture under President Bola Tinubu.
Moore said US concerns were “positively received” and cited what he called a “now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US” as an example of deepening cooperation. But he stressed that goodwill alone is not enough.
“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 said.
“There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction.”
Ribadu: Meeting reflects shared security priorities
Ribadu confirmed the meeting in a separate statement, saying the US congressional visit followed earlier engagements in Washington, DC. He added that Ambassador Richard Mills joined the talks, underscoring the seriousness both countries attach to the discussions.
According to Ribadu, deliberations focused on counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability and efforts to strengthen the Nigeria–US security partnership.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” the NSA said.
Talks come amid diplomatic tensions
The visit is taking place against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic friction after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations — a move that has triggered congressional hearings and raised the prospect of punitive US actions.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied accusations of systemic Christian persecution, insisting that insecurity affects citizens across religious lines.
On November 20, Ribadu met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon for fresh coordination talks, the same day the US House Subcommittee on Africa opened a public hearing on the CPC redesignation.
House Republicans last week echoed concerns about rising religiously targeted violence, following Trump’s October 31 directive ordering Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the “slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria and report back to the White House.
