A high-powered Nigerian government delegation, led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, met with United States Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., for what was described as a “frank, honest, and productive” discussion on the persistent killings of Christians and escalating terrorist threats across Nigeria.
The meeting comes as the U.S. House of Representatives prepares for a critical hearing today on President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations.
High-Level Delegation Briefs Moore
The Nigerian team included Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police,Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen E. A. P. Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence
The delegation briefed Congressman Moore on the challenges facing Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations, outlining the security assistance needs and efforts underway to protect vulnerable communities from groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, armed militias, and what Moore referred to as “Fulani militants.”
Following the meeting, Congressman Moore issued a strong statement on his X handle, warning that continued violence against Christians would not be tolerated by the Trump administration.
“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,” Moore stated.
While expressing readiness for expanded cooperation, the Congressman stressed that President Trump’s warnings on religious persecution were “not idle threats.” He urged the Nigerian government to accept Washington’s “open hand of cooperation” to combat terror networks, particularly in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions.
Congressional Hearing on CPC Designation
The meeting precedes an open hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa today, scheduled for 11:00 am (4:00 pm WAT). The hearing will scrutinize the implications of President Trump’s October 31, 2025, designation of Nigeria as a CPC.
The designation cited alleged severe violations of religious freedom, with President Trump claiming Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria. Trump had previously threatened to halt all aid and even ordered the “Department of War to prepare for possible action,” including “military intervention,” if the alleged persecution continued.
President Bola Tinubu had previously reacted to Trump’s claims, describing them as a “misrepresentation of Nigeria’s religious reality” that fails to reflect the country’s constitutional commitment to religious liberty.
The two-panel hearing will feature U.S. State Department officials, Jonathan Pratt and Jacob McGee, alongside Nigerian religious leaders, including Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Catholic Diocese, and experts like Ms. Nina Shea of the Center for Religious Freedom. The session is expected to review potential U.S. policy responses, including targeted sanctions and humanitarian assistance.
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