United States Congressman Riley M. Moore has sent a stark warning to senior Nigerian officials, asserting that President Donald Trump “does not make idle threats,” during a high-level meeting on security and religious persecution in Nigeria.
The meeting brought together a delegation of Nigerian leaders, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, 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 General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, and Special Adviser to ONSA Ms. Idayat Hassan. Discussions focused on the ongoing persecution of Christians, terrorist threats across the country, and ways to strengthen US-Nigeria cooperation to halt the bloodshed.
During the dialogue, Nigerian officials highlighted challenges in counterterrorism, security assistance, and the protection of vulnerable communities amid widespread violence.
Congressman Moore affirmed the US’s commitment to cooperate with Nigeria in tackling these threats. “Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria,” Moore said.
He emphasized the urgency of tangible action, stating: “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 Saviour Jesus Christ. 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.”
Moore further stressed that Nigeria’s government has an opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States, declaring: “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. I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue.”
The meeting follows President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, signaling heightened scrutiny and the expectation of concrete steps to protect religious freedoms.
