Olushola Omogbehin
A senior Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has met with US Congressman, Riley M. Moore, to discuss the alleged increased persecution of Christians and the growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria.
The US lawmaker who disclosed this in a short statement shared on his X on Wednesday, said that the high-level meeting took place in Washington, D.C.
Described by Moore as “frank, honest, and productive,” the discussion focused on counterterrorism, security assistance, and protection of vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
According to the release, Nigerian delegation included top officials such as “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; and Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, among others.”
Moore in a statement said, “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.
“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 Savior Jesus Christ,” it read.
Highlighting U.S. commitment to helping Nigeria fight militant groups, Moore said:
“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria.”
He therefore urged the Nigerian government to collaborate with the United States in order to fight this menace to a logical conclusion.
“The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States. 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. I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue.”
Nigerian officials were said to have shared the challenges facing the nation in ending bloodshed to include the protection of civilians, combating terrorism, and coordinating with international partners.
