US Congressman Meets Ribadu, Demands Action Against Religious Violence

United States Congressman, Riley M. Moore, has held a high-level meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior security chiefs, warning that religious violence and terrorist attacks in Nigeria must stop.

The meeting, which took place in Washington, D.C., centred on counterterrorism efforts, rising attacks on Christian communities, and ways to strengthen security cooperation between both countries. Moore described the engagement as “frank, honest and productive.”

In a statement posted on X late Wednesday, the U.S. lawmaker said the discussions focused on ensuring protection for vulnerable groups and insisting on concrete steps from Nigeria to curb escalating insecurity.

The Nigerian delegation included top officials: Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police; Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; and Lt.-Gen. E.A.P. Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, among others.

Moore said he stressed the need for measurable progress, adding that the United States expects Nigeria to address the widespread killings, displacement and targeted attacks allegedly faced by Christian populations.

“I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement or death simply for their faith,” he said.

He reaffirmed U.S. readiness to support Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed militia groups, particularly those operating in the Northeast and Middle Belt.

“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to disrupt and destroy terrorist networks,” he added.

Moore said the Tinubu administration has an opportunity to deepen ties with Washington, noting that both President Trump and the U.S. Congress are committed to ending extremist violence in Nigeria.

Nigerian officials at the meeting were said to have outlined the challenges confronting the nation’s security architecture — including protecting civilians, responding to coordinated terror attacks, and improving intelligence-sharing with partners.

Moore emphasised that the United States would closely monitor developments and expects Nigeria to take up offers of security cooperation.

As of press time, neither Ribadu, Egbetokun, nor the Foreign Affairs Ministry had issued an official reaction to the meeting.

The U.S. lawmaker had earlier in the week criticised President Bola Tinubu’s comments dismissing allegations of religious persecution, insisting the situation on the ground paints a different picture. He also condemned the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Danko-Wasagu, Kebbi State, calling for prayers for the victims and the slain vice principal.