US Rep Riley Moore Commends Nigerian Government for Partnership in Combating Terrorism and Persecution

In a move hailed as a pivotal step towards enhancing bilateral ties, United States Congressman Riley Moore has expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian government for its commitment to partnering with the US in addressing pressing security challenges and religious persecution. This comes on the heels of the establishment of the U.S.–Nigeria Working Group, aimed at fostering greater coordination between the two nations to combat terrorism, promote religious freedom, and end the brutal targeting of Christians by radical Islamic extremists.

The working group was formed in response to US President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act, highlighting ongoing issues with religious freedoms and security in the region. The two-day high-level engagement, concluded recently, saw a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, comprising representatives from 10 ministries and agencies, meeting with their American counterparts to discuss strategies for joint action.

Congressman Moore, in his statement, emphasized the urgency and potential of this collaboration. “Establishing the U.S.–Nigeria Working Group to increase coordination and cooperation between our two countries is an encouraging and necessary step to jointly combatting the security challenges facing Nigeria, promoting our nations’ shared values of religious freedom, and ending the brutal persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ by radical Islamic terrorists,” he said.

He further noted that Nigeria stands at a crossroads with a “once in a lifetime chance” to fortify its relationship with the US. This partnership, according to Moore, will focus on countering violent terrorism in the northern states and Middle Belt, halting the persecution of Christians, and tackling broader economic and security hurdles. “Nigeria now also has a real opportunity to increase its capacity to be a stabilizing force in the region,” Moore added, underscoring the potential for regional stability.

The US lawmaker praised the Nigerian government’s seriousness in addressing these issues. “This agreement shows the Nigerians are continuing to take the situation seriously and are working to address the security conditions in good faith. Our nations have pledged to work together to ensure all Nigerians can live and practice their faith without fear of persecution and death,” he stated. Moore concluded by expressing his appreciation: “While there is much still to be done, we continue to see positive developments. I’m grateful to the government of Nigeria for coming to the table and partnering with the US to address these challenges.“

This development has sparked optimism among stakeholders in Nigeria, where insecurity and religious tensions have long plagued communities, particularly in the North. Experts believe the working group could lead to increased US support, including military aid and diplomatic pressure to enforce religious freedoms, potentially averting sanctions under the CPC designation that are anticipated later in 2026.

Nigerian officials have reaffirmed their commitment to the partnership, viewing it as a vital tool for national and regional security. As both nations move forward, the focus will be on actionable steps to protect vulnerable populations and dismantle terrorist networks.