US Congressman Meets Nigerian Officials in Washington, Says Trump “Doesn’t Make Idle Threats”

 

A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has held high-level talks with a 10-member Nigerian government delegation in Washington, D.C., amid renewed pressure from some US politicians over allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives, is one of the leading voices pushing for Nigeria to be designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) — a status that would place the nation under increased US scrutiny over religious freedom issues.

Earlier on November 7, he introduced a House resolution condemning what he described as “ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” while backing former President Donald Trump’s recent statement calling for Nigeria to receive formal CPC designation. Moore has repeatedly warned that Trump “doesn’t make idle threats” when speaking on the issue.

High-Level Delegation Meets Moore

The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, met with Moore on Wednesday, November 19. Other senior officials present included:

Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police

Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation

Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff

The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement as Nigeria seeks to counter narratives portraying the country as hostile to Christians.

Discussions Focus on Security and Terrorism

In a statement after the meeting, Moore described the discussions as “frank, honest, and productive,” noting that both sides examined the security challenges facing Nigeria, including terrorism, inter-communal violence, and attacks on religious communities.

According to him, the conversation also centred on opportunities for strengthened cooperation between both nations to “end the bloodshed” and improve intelligence sharing, law-enforcement collaboration, and support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

The Nigerian delegation is expected to continue engagements with US lawmakers, security officials, and diplomatic stakeholders before returning to Abuja.