United States Congressman, Reps Riley Moore has warned Nigeria’s top security and government officials that President Donald Trump “does not make idle threats” regarding his stance on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Moore, who stated this during a high-level meeting in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, November 19, with a 10-member Nigerian government delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, however, expressed the readiness of the U.S. to assist Nigeria in the counterinsurgency campaign.
Moore, a known vocal advocate of claims that Christians face targeted attacks in Nigeria, particularly warned that the Nigerian government must ensure the protection of vulnerable communities.
The U.S. Congress man recently introduced a congressional resolution condemning “ongoing persecution of Christians” and backing Trump’s call to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
While referencing Trump’s earlier remark about going into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing,” Moore told the Ribadu-led delegation that President Trump means exactly what he says.
Moore who took to his X handle, said that President Trump made abundantly clear that the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution.
Moore noted that the discussion with the Nigerian delegation was “frank, honest, and productive,” focusing on terrorism, security assistance, and protection of vulnerable communities.
He noted that the Nigerian officials used the meeting to outline existing challenges around counterterrorism, insecurity, and the complexities of violence across various regions of the country.
Moore further said that the United States is prepared to deepen cooperation to help address “ongoing bloodshed.”
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected the narrative of targeted Christian persecution, emphasizing that insecurity affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines.
But, in spite of the Nigerian government position, Reps Moore insisted that the US must continue pressing Nigeria on the issue and warned that Trump’s warnings should be taken seriously.
The Nigerian delegation that met with Rep Moore included Nuhu Ribadu – National Security Adviser, Lateef Fagbemi – Attorney General of the Federation, Bianca Ojukwu – minister of State for foreign affairs, General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff and Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police (IGP).
