Nigeria has taken a significant step in strengthening its security partnership with the United States following a high-level meeting in Washington, D.C., between Congressman Riley M. Moore and a senior Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The engagement, described as “frank and productive”, comes at a crucial moment in bilateral relations, particularly after recent U.S. decisions and public statements on Nigeria’s internal security situation—decisions which many in international space believe should have involved prior consultation with Nigerian authorities, given their sensitivity and far-reaching implications.
The meeting underscored Nigeria’s readiness to engage constructively with the United States in addressing terrorism, the protection of vulnerable communities, and the growing challenge of misinformation that threatens national cohesion.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s top security official, led a delegation of notable senior figures including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. E. A. P. Undiandeye, among others, sending a clear message about Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening counterterrorism cooperation while firmly protecting its sovereignty.
During the meeting, Nigerian officials outlined the realities of their multidimensional security landscape, including the longstanding fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as the complex threats of banditry, arms trafficking, and the proliferation of disinformation aimed at destabilising the country.
They emphasized that Nigeria continues to protect all its citizens, regardless of faith, and cautioned against narratives that falsely portray the government as complicit in persecution. Such claims, they noted, undermine national unity and play directly into the hands of extremist groups seeking to exploit religious and ethnic divides.
Congressman Moore, speaking on behalf of the U.S. administration, affirmed America’s readiness to cooperate with Nigeria in tackling terrorism and protecting vulnerable communities, particularly Christians affected by extremist violence in the Northeast and Middle Belt. He stressed the need for visible progress and pledged continued engagement toward dismantling terrorist networks across the country.
“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,” Congressman Riley Moore stated.
“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.”
Sources noted that the Nigerian delegation emphasised the need for meaningful collaboration which requires accuracy, mutual respect, and continuous dialogue, not unilateral conclusions or decisions taken without Nigeria’s input.
