Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA) and Riley Moore
Riley Moore, a member of the United States house of representatives, says the rescue of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger state, is a positive demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s response to the country’s security challenges.
Moore, who is visiting Nigeria after months of tense debate between US and Nigerian officials over alleged persecution of Christians, made the remark in an X post on Monday while reflecting on his meeting with Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser (NSA).
The visit also comes as a follow-up to high-level security talks held between Ribadu and Pete Hegseth, US defence secretary, in Washington last month.
The talks held the same day US congress heard allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
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During the congressional hearing, Jonathan Pratt, senior official at the US state department’s Bureau of African Affairs, said the state department will work with the Nigerian government on measures, including a task force, to address the alleged Christian persecution in the country.
Moore, in his Monday post, confirmed that the joint task force has now been established.
He said it was a “great example” to support notions that a cooperative security framework is within sight, adding that the US’ sense of urgency on its concerns was positively received.
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“There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length, that if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians (a specific concern for @POTUS and myself) – particularly in the Middle Belt of the country,” the lawmaker said.
“I want to thank the Nigerian government and @officialABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children. This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu.”
Moore said it is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the US.
“Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action. There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction,” he added.
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Moore said he looked forward to the next steps with Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue.
