Riley Moore, a member of the United States House of Representatives, has described the establishment of the US–Nigeria Working Group as the Nigerian Government’s “lifetime chance” to end violent terrorism and the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The Federal Government delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, met with US representatives on Thursday in Abuja during the inaugural session of the Joint Working Group. The meeting aimed to address insecurity, promote religious freedom, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
This engagement follows the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, the Working Group was created to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the US.
The group’s goals include reducing violence against vulnerable communities, particularly Christians, enhancing accountability for attacks, and improving civilian protection. The US delegation was led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, and included representatives from various federal agencies.
During the meeting, Hooker emphasized that the United States acknowledges Nigeria’s diversity and the complexity of its security challenges, stating that sustained cooperation is crucial for protecting civilians and upholding freedom of religion. She added that the Working Group serves as a platform for both nations to progress from expressions of concern to practical measures that deter violence, enhance investigations, and hold perpetrators accountable.
In his remarks, Ribadu noted that Nigeria’s partnership with international allies, including the United States, was already yielding tangible results, referencing improved coordination among security agencies and increased pressure on terrorist and criminal groups operating across the country.
After the meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, briefed journalists, highlighting that the engagement reflects Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to deepen security partnerships and achieve concrete results. He mentioned that the US had committed to delivering outstanding military equipment procured over the past five years, including drones, helicopters, and support systems, as well as surplus defense equipment.
Both delegations agreed to continue engagements under the Joint Working Group, with the next meeting anticipated to take place in the United States at a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.
In a statement shared on X on Saturday, Moore praised the partnership as an encouraging and necessary step to jointly tackle the security challenges facing Nigeria. He stated that the pact would promote the two nations’ “shared values of religious freedom” and aim to “end the brutal persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ by radical Islamic terrorists.”
“Nigeria has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to strengthen its relationship with the U.S. as we work cooperatively to counter violent terrorism throughout the northern states and Middle Belt, end the persecution of Christians, and address the broader economic and security challenges the nation faces,” Moore asserted.
He indicated that the agreement demonstrates Nigeria’s serious approach to its security situation and its good faith efforts. “Our nations have pledged to work together to ensure all Nigerians can live and practice their faith without fear of persecution and death,” Moore said. He further commended the Federal Government “for coming to the table and partnering with the U.S. to address these challenges,” while noting that much work lies ahead.
