U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore held what he described as a “frank, honest, and productive” meeting on Wednesday with a high-level Nigerian government delegation in Washington, D.C., focusing on the continued killings of Christians and the escalating threat posed by terrorist groups across Nigeria.

 

The Nigerian delegation was led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and included senior government and security officials: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E. A. P. Undiendeye. Top officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington were also present.

 

According to a statement, the Nigerian officials briefed Moore on ongoing counterterrorism operations, security assistance needs, and efforts to protect vulnerable communities affected by persistent violence involving Boko Haram, ISWAP, armed militias, and criminal networks. The delegation underscored Nigeria’s operational constraints as well as its willingness to deepen security cooperation with the United States.

 

In his remarks, Moore emphasized that the U.S. expects clear, measurable action to protect Christian communities that have faced killings, persecution, and displacement in various parts of the country.

 

“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,” he said.

 

Moore added that the United States stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria to counter the activities of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and what he called “Fulani militants,” especially in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions.

 

He further noted that Nigeria has an opportunity to “strengthen and deepen” its relationship with the U.S., stressing that President Donald Trump and Congress are aligned in their determination to end violence against Christians and dismantle terrorist networks operating in the country.

 

The meeting comes ahead of today’s open hearing convened by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, which will examine President Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution.

 

The hearing, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building, will be chaired by Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) and streamed live for public viewing.

 

According to an invitation referenced by Punch, the session will feature two panels of witnesses.

 

First Panel (U.S. Government Officials):

• Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of African Affairs

• Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

 

Second Panel (Experts and Religious Leaders):

• Nina Shea, Director, Center for Religious Freedom

• Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Makurdi Catholic Diocese

• Oge Onubogu, Center for Strategic & International Studies

 

Focus of the Hearing: Sanctions, Humanitarian Aid, Policy Options

 

The subcommittee is expected to review the nature and extent of religious persecution in Nigeria, evaluate terrorist violence affecting both Christian and Muslim communities, and consider potential U.S. policy responses. These could include targeted sanctions, expanded humanitarian assistance, and deeper security collaboration with Nigerian authorities to curb the ongoing killings.

 

The outcome of the hearing may shape future U.S.–Nigeria relations, especially as Washington reassesses its approach to religious freedom and security partnerships in West Africa.