US Congress Team Probes Nigeria Security Amid Christian Persecution Claims

A bipartisan US Congressional delegation, led by Representative Riley Moore (R-WV), arrived in Nigeria on December 7, 2025, for a fact-finding mission addressing escalating insecurity and allegations of genocide against Christians. The team, including Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Moore, met with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to discuss counter-terrorism, regional stability, and bilateral security partnerships. US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills joined the talks, signaling strong diplomatic commitment from both sides. ​

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This visit follows President Donald Trump’s October 30, 2025, designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to radical Islamist violence killing over 3,100 Christians, positioning Nigeria as the global hotspot for faith-based attacks by groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants. Earlier, in November 2025, Ribadu led a high-level Nigerian team—including Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, and others—to Washington, DC, where they held frank discussions with Moore on protecting vulnerable communities and combating terrorism. President Bola Tinubu responded by approving a Nigerian delegation for the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, headed by Ribadu, to implement security pacts on defence, intelligence, and civilian protection in the Middle Belt. ​

Ribadu expressed optimism that the engagements would foster deeper trust and collaboration against shared threats. The mission underscores ongoing US pressure for tangible Nigerian action amid disputed casualty figures—Nigerian officials cite lower numbers from criminal violence, while Christian groups and US lawmakers highlight targeted persecution. Both nations aim to enhance intelligence sharing and equipment support without foreign troop involvement.