United States Congressman Riley M. Moore has delivered a stern warning to senior Nigerian officials during a high-level meeting in Washington, emphasizing that President Donald Trump does not issue empty threats when it comes to religious persecution.
High-Level Security Discussions
The meeting brought together a powerful Nigerian delegation including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu. Also present were Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, and Special Adviser to ONSA Ms. Idayat Hassan.
The discussions centered on the ongoing persecution of Christians and persistent terrorist threats across Nigeria, with both parties exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the United States and Nigeria to end the bloodshed.
Trump's Clear Warning
Congressman Moore stated unequivocally that the United States stands ready to coordinate with Nigeria but made it clear that President Trump's administration will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution.
"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," Moore said after the meeting.
The Congressman emphasized that tangible steps must be taken to ensure Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for their religious beliefs.
Opportunity for Strengthened Relations
Moore outlined specific areas where the United States could assist Nigeria in combating terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against the population, particularly targeting Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions.
"The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States," Moore stated, adding that both President Trump and Congress are united and serious in their resolve to end violence against Christians and disrupt terrorist groups within Nigeria.
The Congressman pledged to continue monitoring developments and pushing the Nigerian government to accept what he described as "the open hand of cooperation" to stop ongoing persecution and violence.
This crucial meeting occurred just days after the Trump administration designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, highlighting the seriousness with which the United States views the religious violence situation in the West African nation.
