By The visit comes as the U.S. Congress intensifies scrutiny of worsening insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks on Christian communities in the North and other parts of the country.
A high-level delegation of United States lawmakers and diplomats on Sunday visited Nigeria on a security-focused fact-finding mission, amid heightened concerns in Washington over alleged large-scale persecution and killings of Christians across the country.
One of the delegates, U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
“I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people. Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also confirmed the visit in a series of posts on X, noting that he hosted the U.S. Congressional delegation in Abuja following earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., focused on joint security interests.
“This morning, I received a U.S. Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., on shared security priorities,” Ribadu wrote.
He added, “The delegation included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, and Rep. Riley M. Moore.
“U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Mills, also attended the meeting, reflecting the importance both nations attach to this engagement.”
Ribadu stated that discussions centered on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria–U.S. strategic security partnership.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he added.
The visit comes as the U.S. Congress increases its scrutiny of worsening insecurity in Nigeria, especially the persistent attacks on Christian communities in the North and other parts of the country.
Over the past months, several American lawmakers, including members of the House Appropriations Committee and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), have publicly accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop what they describe as a “genocidal campaign” by extremist groups and armed militias.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the U.S. House Appropriations Committee warned that Nigeria is “rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous places on Earth to follow Christ,” pledging to push for tougher diplomatic measures and stricter conditions on U.S. security assistance.
Ribadu reaffirmed optimism that the dialogue will enhance trust and collaboration between both countries.
Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, Intersociety, and Open Doors have also documented mass killings, abductions, and village burnings carried out by armed groups, with thousands of civilians killed annually.
While the Nigerian government rejects the genocide characterization, insisting that the violence is driven by banditry, terrorism, and resource conflict rather than religion, the President Donald Trump administration recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), as pressure continues to mount internationally.
The presence of multiple U.S. Representatives, including Republican and Democratic lawmakers, signals bipartisanship in Washington’s concerns.
Rep. Riley Moore, one of the visiting lawmakers, has remained outspoken on the issue of religious persecution in Nigeria and has called for a reassessment of U.S. military aid, alongside expanded oversight of how American security assistance is deployed.
Coffins are prepared for burial during a funeral service for 17 worshippers and two priests, who were allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria.
