A high-level United States Congressional delegation arrived in Abuja at the weekend for a strategic security engagement with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, signalling renewed diplomatic momentum between both countries as concerns grow in Washington over allegations of religious persecution.
Ribadu, who confirmed the visit in a statement on Sunday, said he received the lawmakers “on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria” following earlier discussions in Washington, D.C. on shared security priorities. Members of the delegation included Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani and Riley Moore.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, also attended the closed-door meeting, which the NSA said underscored the importance both nations attach to deepening cooperation. According to Ribadu, the talks focused on counter-terrorism collaboration, regional stability, and strengthening the longstanding Nigeria–US strategic security partnership.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security,” he said.
Heightened scrutiny in Washington
The visit follows weeks of growing attention in the US Congress, where some lawmakers are pushing for Nigeria’s redesignation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians. Ribadu recently led a high-powered Nigerian delegation to Washington to address these concerns and to clarify Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations and human-rights posture.
During that trip, the Nigerian team met senior US officials, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who stated that their discussions centred on “horrific violence against Christians” and Washington’s efforts to work “aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists”.
The delegation also held talks with Rep. Riley Moore, one of the most prominent advocates of the false “Christian genocide” narrative. Moore described the interaction as “frank, honest, and productive”, noting that Nigerian officials raised concerns surrounding counterterrorism efforts, security assistance and the protection of vulnerable communities.
A divisive debate
Since September, claims of a targeted “Christian genocide” in Nigeria have gained traction among conservative US politicians, campaign groups and some religious leaders. Figures such as Mike Arnold and Senator Ted Cruz have amplified these allegations, with Senator Cruz sponsoring a bill proposing punitive measures against Nigerian officials. A coalition of Christian leaders has likewise called for Nigeria’s redesignation as a CPC.
However, the debate remains sharply polarised. A congressional hearing held last week revealed deep partisan divisions, with some lawmakers endorsing the genocide framing and others cautioning that such descriptions dangerously distort Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
Security analysts, researchers and verified media reports have repeatedly questioned the data used to support the genocide claims, pointing to significant gaps and unverifiable figures. Experts argue that Nigeria’s insecurity is driven largely by non-state armed groups whose attacks cut across religious lines, affecting both Christians and Muslims.
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected the genocide allegation, describing it as “a gross misrepresentation of reality”. Officials stress that terrorists target anyone opposed to their ideology, regardless of faith, and warn that inaccurate narratives risk inflaming religious tensions.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria will continue working with international partners, including the US, to defeat terrorism while resisting portrayals that mischaracterise the country’s security challenges.
Continued high-level engagement
Sunday’s visit by the US congressional team reflects Washington’s sustained interest in Nigeria’s internal security dynamics and the future direction of bilateral cooperation. As both nations navigate a politically fraught debate and seek to strengthen strategic ties, the Abuja meeting marks another significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to reinforce trust and address shared security concerns.
Source: Premium Times
