US Congressman Riley M. Moore met recently with a high-level Nigerian delegation, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, to address the escalating persecution of Christians and mounting terrorist threats across Nigeria. In what he described as a “frank, honest and productive” discussion, Moore urged for decisive action to protect vulnerable communities from religious violence and displacement.
He made it clear that Christians should not face violence, persecution, or even death simply for believing in Jesus Christ. Moore reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against militant groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani extremists — particularly in the Northeast and Middle-belt regions.
Pointing to stronger security ties, he called on the Nigerian government to deepen cooperation with the US. He also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s earlier claim that religious persecution is not a problem in Nigeria, arguing that the reality on the ground tells a different story.
The meeting comes ahead of a high-profile hearing by the US House Subcommittee on Africa, which intends to scrutinize Nigeria’s record on religious freedom and consider policy tools — from targeted sanctions to humanitarian aid — to combat the violence.
