United States Congressman Riley Moore has said that the US and Nigeria are nearing a major milestone in the fight against terrorism, with a proposed strategic security framework close to finalization.
In a post on X on Saturday, Moore said the framework would focus on combating extremist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East and Middle Belt regions and ending what he described as the “genocide against Christians.”
The lawmaker’s comments followed a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, during which he said he witnessed the devastating impact of violent extremism on civilians in Benue and Plateau states.
Moore, who led a delegation of US Congressmen on the visit, met with senior Nigerian government officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi. He also held meetings with religious and traditional leaders in Benue and Plateau states, as well as Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Expressing optimism about discussions held with Nigerian authorities, Moore said:
“We did have positive conversations with the Nigerian government, and I believe we are close to a strategic security framework to address both the ISIS and Boko Haram threat in the Northeast, as well as the genocide against Christians by the radical Fulani Muslims in the Middle Belt.”
He added that a report from the mission would be presented to United States President Donald Trump, outlining measures to end violent extremism and attacks on Christians.
“The report that I will present @POTUS will outline paths to work with the Nigerian government to end the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said.
Moore also recounted encounters with victims of violence during the trip, describing the experience as deeply distressing.
“What I witnessed during my trip to Nigeria was heartbreaking. I met a woman who witnessed all five of her children murdered in front of her. Another woman lost her husband and two daughters and had her unborn child killed.”
The engagement follows renewed diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and the United States after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over the killing of Christians and warned of possible military action against Fulani extremists if the situation was not addressed.
Subsequently, a Nigerian government delegation led by the National Security Adviser visited the United States to present Nigeria’s position on terrorist activities in the country.
The Federal Government has since taken further steps, including declaring a state of emergency on insecurity, establishing a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, and appointing General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, among other measures aimed at addressing the country’s security challenges.
