A visiting U.S. congressional delegation has signaled a major breakthrough in Nigeria–U.S. security relations, following what Rep. Riley Moore described as a “productive and positive” meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, marking one of the most significant diplomatic shifts since the United States designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Moore, who was part of a bipartisan fact-finding delegation dispatched to Nigeria after weeks of public debate over allegations of religious persecution, issued a detailed public statement on Friday praising the engagements led by Mal. Ribadu and outlining the contours of a new cooperative security pathway between the two countries.
In his statement, Moore said the Nigerian government and the U.S. delegation had discussed several concrete actions that, if fully executed, could substantially improve security across Nigeria.
“There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length, that if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians,” Moore wrote.
“These steps can disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians — a specific concern for President Biden and myself—particularly in the Middle Belt of the country.”
Moore also commended the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent rescue of more than 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren—an operation that Nigerian officials say was coordinated through joint security efforts.
“I want to thank the Nigerian government and President Tinubu for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children,” Moore said.
“This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu.”
The commendation of the President’s security emergency declaration is one of the strongest endorsements yet of Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts from the U.S. government.
One of the most consequential announcement from Moore’s statement is the confirmation that a U.S.–Nigeria joint task force has now been established, an outcome directly linked to Mal. Ribadu’s diplomatic shuttle to Washington last month.
“The now established joint task force between Nigeria and the U.S. is a great example,” he said, calling the initiative a sign that “a cooperative security framework is within sight.”
Mal. Ribadu had earlier met with senior U.S. national security leaders, including U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, members of Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
The NSA presented detailed briefings rejecting claims of genocide and outlining the Tinubu administration’s security reforms.
Moore emphasized that the Nigerian government showed openness and readiness for deeper cooperation.
“It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action.”
Moore’s concluding message marked a notable shift from earlier skepticism within sections of the U.S. Congress.
“There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction,” he said.
“I look forward to the next steps with the Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue. Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”
Diplomatic Analysts say the statement reflects the effectiveness of Ribadu’s month-long diplomatic engagement, which helped de-escalate tensions after Nigeria’s controversial U.S. designation. By opening direct lines of communication, offering intelligence briefings, and facilitating access to security operations on the ground, Mal. Ribadu enabled the Congressional delegation to reassess earlier claims.
With the establishment of a joint task force and the apparent reset in diplomatic tone, both sides now appear positioned to transition from mutual suspicion to structured cooperation.
