US Congressman Riley M. Moore has held a high-level meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior officials in Washington, D.C., to discuss what he described as worsening attacks on Christians and the persistent threat of terrorism across Nigeria.

Moore said the engagement, which took place on Wednesday, was “frank, honest, and productive,” focusing on counterterrorism cooperation, security assistance, and the protection of vulnerable communities. 

The discussion comes amid renewed scrutiny in the United States over claims of religious persecution and Nigeria’s handling of extremist violence.

In a statement posted on X, the lawmaker stressed that he delivered a clear message to the Nigerian delegation. 

“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 Savior Jesus Christ,” he said.

The Nigerian team included 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, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye, among others.

According to Moore, the U.S. remains willing to assist Nigeria in combating extremist organisations. 

“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants,” he said, noting that Christian communities in the Northeast and Middle Belt remain the most affected.

He urged the Nigerian government to take advantage of the opportunity to deepen its relationship with Washington. 

“President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria,” he added.

Nigerian officials at the meeting reportedly outlined the complexities of securing Africa’s most populous nation, citing challenges in protecting civilians, coordinating intelligence, and tackling well-armed insurgent groups.

Moore said the U.S. government would closely monitor Nigeria’s next moves, insisting that Washington expects “cooperation and coordination” to stop the bloodshed.

The meeting occurred hours before a scheduled open hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, which will examine President Donald Trump’s move to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations. Senior U.S. State Department officials and prominent Nigerian religious leaders are expected to testify.

Moore has openly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent denial of Christian persecution in Nigeria and, earlier in the week, condemned the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, calling for prayers for the victims.