Riley Moore, a member of the United States House of Representatives, on Sunday announced the conclusion of a “very productive” visit to Nigeria, sharing the update on his X account.
“I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people,” Moore wrote, adding, “Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”
Moore did not provide specifics on the purpose of his visit or the Nigerian officials he met. However, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed hosting a US Congressional delegation as part of ongoing security consultations between the two countries.
Ribadu said the visit followed earlier discussions in Washington, DC, focused on shared security priorities. The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also present, underscoring the importance both nations attach to the engagement.
Discussions reportedly centred on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and ways to strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. “I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” Ribadu said.
The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations. The move has been accompanied by threats of possible US military intervention.
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The Federal Government has repeatedly dismissed claims of systemic persecution of Christians, noting that insecurity affects citizens of all religious backgrounds.
Earlier, on November 20, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted NSA Ribadu at the Pentagon to discuss coordinated strategies addressing the crisis. The same day, the US House Subcommittee on Africa held a public hearing to examine the implications of Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern.
House Republicans have also raised concerns about rising religious violence in Nigeria during a joint briefing called at the direction of President Trump, who in October instructed Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate reported attacks on Christians and report their findings to the White House.