THIS DAWN — Nigeria has intensified diplomatic efforts to counter growing claims of Christian persecution and escalating terrorist threats, following a crucial meeting between a high-level Nigerian government delegation and U.S. Congressman Riley Moore in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, 19 November.
The delegation, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, engaged Congressman Moore in what both sides described as a frank and productive dialogue.
The meeting comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s decision to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The classification, with serious implications, includes the potential for American military involvement should Abuja fail to curb what Washington described as “mass slaughter of Christians.”
Compounding Nigeria’s diplomatic pressure is the Nigeria Religious Accountability Act, a bill sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, currently before Congress.
If passed, it could impose sanctions on individuals or entities deemed responsible for religious persecution.
Following the engagement, Congressman Moore’s office issued a strongly worded statement stressing that the U.S. expects “tangible steps” from Nigeria to protect Christian communities.
“Christians must not be subjected to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Moore said.
He reiterated that President Trump “does not make idle threats”.
He maintained that the United States stands prepared to work with Nigeria in dismantling Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani militant networks operating across the Northeast and Middle Belt.
Moore added that Congress and the Trump administration were “united and serious” in their resolve to end religiously targeted attacks in Nigeria.
He pledged continued monitoring of the situation and urged Nigeria to embrace deeper cooperation with Washington.
Abuja denied Christian genocide claims
According to U.S. officials, the Nigerian delegation outlined the complexities of the country’s insecurity.
It highlights overlapping ethnic, criminal, and extremist violence that has affected citizens of all faiths.
Abuja has repeatedly rejected claims of “Christian genocide,” maintaining that Muslims and other groups have also suffered significant casualties.
The meeting marks Nigeria’s first widely publicized diplomatic outreach since Trump’s recent criticism describing Nigeria as a “disgraced country.”
The visit also comes amid strained bilateral relations, with President Tinubu cancelling his planned appearances at international forums, including the G20 Summit, due to domestic security crises.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, analysts emphasize that sustained, structured diplomacy remains the most viable path forward. Both nations, they argue, stand to benefit from strengthened cooperation.
The Nigerian delegation included NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu.
Others are the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi.
The rest are Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye, and senior embassy officials.
