A high-level United States congressional delegation has arrived in Abuja for strategic security talks with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, amid Washington’s growing concern over escalating violence and allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria.
Mr Ribadu confirmed the visit on Sunday, describing the lawmakers’ trip as a “fact-finding mission to deepen Nigeria–US collaboration on shared security priorities.
The US team included Representatives:
Mario Díaz-Balart
Norma Torres
Scott Franklin
Juan Ciscomani
Riley Moore
US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills also joined the meeting, underscoring America’s increased diplomatic engagement with Abuja.
Key Issues Discussed
According to the NSA, talks focused on:
Counter-terrorism cooperation
Regional stability
Strengthening Nigeria–US strategic security partnership
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security,” Mr Ribadu said.
Background: Rising Tensions Over ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims
Sunday’s meeting comes shortly after Ribadu led a senior Nigerian delegation to Washington at a time when some US lawmakers are pushing for Nigeria to be re-listed as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged Christian persecution.
During that trip:
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth discussed “horrific violence against Christians” with the Nigerian team.
Rep. Riley Moore, a major proponent of the widely-criticised “Christian genocide” narrative, held direct talks with Nigerian officials.
Mr Moore described the meetings as “frank and productive,” saying both sides raised issues around counterterrorism operations and protection of vulnerable communities.
A Deeply Divided Debate in Washington
The “Christian genocide” narrative has fuelled major political debate in the US:
Figures like Senator Ted Cruz, Mike Arnold, and American evangelical groups have amplified claims that Christians are being systematically targeted.
Some have demanded punitive actions against Nigerian officials and a renewed CPC designation.
A congressional hearing last week split sharply along partisan lines.
However: BBC fact-checks, security researchers investigations have all challenged the data behind the genocide claims.
Analysts argue that Nigeria’s security crisis affects both Christians and Muslims, driven largely by non-state armed groups, not state-endorsed religious persecution.
The Nigerian government describes the allegations as “a gross misrepresentation”, insisting terrorists attack anyone who rejects their ideologies.
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to partnership with the US “to defeat terrorism in all its forms,” while rejecting exaggerated narratives that could inflame religious tensions.
Sunday’s visit signals:
Continued high-level US engagement
Intensifying American interest in Nigeria’s internal security
Ongoing negotiations over the future of the Nigeria–US strategic security relationship
