U.S. Congressman, Riley M. Moore, held a “frank, honest, and productive” meeting on Wednesday with a high-level delegation from the Nigerian government in Washington, D.C.
The discussions centered on the continued killings of Christians and the rising threat posed by terrorist groups across Nigeria. The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, included several prominent officials: 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; and Lt. Gen. E. A. P. Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Senior officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington also participated in the meeting. According to a statement, the Nigerian officials updated Moore on ongoing counterterrorism operations, the country’s security assistance needs, and efforts to protect vulnerable communities affected by widespread violence involving Boko Haram, ISWAP, armed militias, and other criminal groups.
The delegation stressed that Nigeria’s operational challenges and its commitment to collaborating with the United States to address extremist threats.
Moore said: “Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria. I made it crystal clear that 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.”
“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States. President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria. I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue.”