By Obinna Uballa
United States Congressman Riley Moore has delivered a blunt message to a visiting Nigerian government delegation, insisting that the U.S, under President Donald Trump, will not tolerate continued attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Moore met with the high-powered team led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Washington on Wednesday amid escalating international pressure over allegations of religious persecution.
The US lawmaker said the meeting was “frank, honest, and productive,” but stressed that Washington expects immediate, visible action from Abuja.
“I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subjected to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Moore said in a statement.
He reiterated the Trump administration’s position that Nigeria, recently redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern, must work more aggressively to tackle Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani groups responsible for widespread killings across the Northeast and Middle Belt.
“President Trump does not make idle threats,” Moore warned. “The Nigerian government has an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the United States, but that depends on its willingness to protect vulnerable communities and confront terrorism decisively.”
The meeting followed growing diplomatic friction after American rapper Nicki Minaj was invited to the United Nations to testify on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria—an event from which Nigerian officials were excluded, drawing sharp protest from Abuja.
Moore said Nigerian officials briefed him on their counterterrorism challenges, security gaps, and broader concerns about violence across the country. The US, he noted, is prepared to deepen cooperation.
“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants,” he said. “But cooperation requires commitment. Congress and President Trump are united in the resolve to end the bloodshed.”
The Nigerian delegation included senior figures such as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye.
