A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has issued a stern message to a high-level Nigerian delegation on Wednesday, declaring that the U.S will not tolerate persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Moore issued the message of caution while meeting with a Nigerian delegation to the U.S led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, stating that President Donald Trump “does not make idle threats.”
The Nigerian delegation included senior figures such as Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police.
Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria and Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the Nigerian delegation was dispatched to the U.S by President Bola Tinubu after the U.S President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
Meanwhile, addressing the Nigerian delegation, Moore, who has been vocal against the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, warned that Trump will not tolerate continued religious attacks.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the U.S 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 added.
He reiterated the Trump administration’s position that Nigeria 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.”
Moore also revealed that the Nigerian officials briefed him on their counterterrorism challenges, security gaps, and broader concerns about violence across the country.
“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 meeting of the Nigerian delegation with Moore has also been confirmed by the Nigerian Presidency.
Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the President confirmed this in a press statement.
The statement reads in part: “During the delegation’s visit to Washington, D.C., the meeting allowed for a frank, honest, and productive discussion about the ongoing persecution of Christians and ongoing terrorist threats in Nigeria and opportunities for strengthened cooperation and coordination between the United States and Nigeria to end the bloodshed.
“During the meeting, Nigerian officials shared their government’s challenges and concerns regarding counterterrorism, security assistance, protection of vulnerable communities, and ongoing issues involving violence across Nigeria.
“Congressman Moore clearly stated that the United States stands ready to coordinate and cooperate with Nigeria, and that, as President Trump made abundantly clear, the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution. President Trump does not make idle threats. Congressman Moore will continue monitoring new developments and pushing the Nigerian government to accept the open hand of cooperation to stop the ongoing persecution and violence against Christians and combat the threat terrorist groups pose to the Nigerian population.”
