A high-level diplomatic engagement unfolded in Washington, D.C., yesterday as United States Congressman Riley Moore met with a Nigerian government delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, amid rising tensions between both countries over allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

The meeting, which comes as part of Nigeria’s efforts to calm the situation, also precedes scheduled discussions with White House officials, U.S. security chiefs and several lawmakers.

According to a statement released by Congressman Moore and obtained by Lagos Reporters, the Nigerian delegation included the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.

Others on the team were the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye; Special Adviser at the Office of the NSA, Idayat Hassan; Director of Foreign Relations at ONSA, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani; Acting Chargé d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Embassy in Washington, Ambassador Nuru Biu; and Paul Alabi of the Embassy’s Political and Economic Section.

Moore described the discussions as “frank, honest, and productive,” noting that they focused on the persecution of Christians, persistent terrorist threats, and the need for strengthened cooperation between both nations. Nigerian officials, he said, outlined challenges related to counterterrorism operations, security assistance, and protection of vulnerable communities.

The U.S. Congressman reiterated America’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria but delivered a firm message: the United States wants to see concrete, measurable steps to curb the violence.

“As President Trump made abundantly clear, the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution,” Moore stated, warning that the former president “does not make idle threats.”

He pledged to continue monitoring developments while urging Abuja to accept Washington’s “open hand of cooperation.”

Moore added: “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 to disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.”

He emphasised that groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed Fulani militants continue to wreak havoc, particularly in the Northeast and Middle Belt, and insisted that the U.S. expects Nigeria to take tangible steps to protect Christian communities from persecution, displacement and death.

The Nigerian delegation is expected to continue engagements with key stakeholders in Washington in the coming days as diplomatic efforts intensify.

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