A member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley Moore, has spoken about his recent visit to Nigeria as part of a U.S. Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to the country.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, Moore said the discussions centred on terrorism in the North-East and the persistent killings in the Middle Belt, describing the issues as matters of specific concern to President Donald Trump and himself.
Moore explained that both the delegation and Nigerian officials reviewed concrete steps and actions which, if fully implemented, could significantly improve security across the country.
“There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length that, if fully executed, I believe will enhance security nationwide, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians — a specific concern for @POTUS and me — particularly in the Middle Belt,” he said.
The congressman also commended the rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, thanking the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu.
“I want to thank the Nigerian government and @officialABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic schoolchildren.
“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,” he wrote.
Moore added that US concerns were “positively received” and highlighted what he described as a “now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US” as evidence of growing cooperation.
However, he warned that the willingness shown by the Nigerian government must now translate into tangible action.
“It is clear that there is openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action.”
The congressman concluded, “There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with the Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue.”
He ended his message with, “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”