The United States has publicly endorsed Nigeria’s recent security efforts, with a member of the U.S. Congress, Representative Riley M. Moore, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren as a significant signal of Nigeria’s strengthened response to insecurity.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Moore said he and other members of a U.S. Congressional delegation held a “productive and positive conversation” with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, during a fact-finding mission to Abuja. He explained that the meeting focused on coordinated security priorities between both nations.
According to Moore, the discussions explored “concrete steps and actions” that, if fully implemented, would “enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians,” a concern he said is shared by U.S. President Joe Biden.
Rep. Moore praised the Nigerian government and President Tinubu for successfully rescuing the 100 Catholic schoolchildren earlier abducted, describing the operation as “a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation” and evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to the emergency security declaration announced by the President.
He noted that Washington’s security concerns were “positively received” by Nigerian authorities and highlighted the newly established joint task force between both countries as a sign of growing collaboration. “It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues,” he said, urging that this openness now be translated into actionable implementation.
While acknowledging that “much work still needs to be done,” Rep. Moore said he believes “things are moving in the right direction,” adding that he looks forward to further engagements with the Nigerian government and to sustaining the dialogue needed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
He ended the statement with a message of solidarity: “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”