A top-tier delegation of lawmakers and diplomats from the United States of America visited Nigeria on Sunday as part of a security-focused fact-finding mission in the face of rising concern in Washington over alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.
One of the lawmakers who came to Nigeria, Riley Moore, wrote on X: “I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people. Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”
Moore has been specifically vocal about alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, calling for a reassessment of U.S. military aid and tighter oversight of how American security assistance is deployed.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also confirmed the visit, saying he hosted the U.S. Congressional delegation in Abuja, following earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., centred on shared security priorities.
“This morning, I received a U.S. Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., on shared security priorities.
“The delegation included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, and Rep. Riley M. Moore.
“U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Mills, also attended, reflecting the importance both nations attach to this engagement.”
Ribadu informed that discussions dwelt on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and efforts to strengthen the Nigeria–U.S. strategic security partnership.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he said.
The visit is coming as the U.S. Congress increases its scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly the alleged targeted killings of Christians in the North.
Many U.S. lawmakers, inclusive of members of the House Appropriations Committee and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), have accused the Nigerian government of failing to halt what they describe as a “genocidal campaign” carried out by extremist groups and armed militias.
