The Head of the United States Congressional delegation to Nigeria, Rep. Riley Moore, said the U.S. and Nigeria were moving in the right direction on the security situation.
He said a security framework between the two countries is within sight. He added that there was a commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He thanked the Nigerian government, especially President Tinubu, for rescuing 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children.
He also commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for a productive and positive conversation with the US Congressional delegation to Nigeria.
Moore gave the verdict in his X post on the summary of the delegation visit and engagements with government officials.
Apart from meeting with the NSA and other government officials, the lawmakers also visited Benue State, where they met with victims of attacks, religious leaders, traditional rulers and the sub-national government officials.
Moore said in his post: “I want to thank National Security Advisor @NuhuRibadu for a productive and positive conversation with the US Congressional delegation to Nigeria.
“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 organisations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians (a specific concern for @POTUS and myself) – particularly in the Middle Belt of the country.
“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.
“The U.S’ sense of urgency on our concerns was positively received. I feel that a cooperative security framework is within sight.
“The now-established joint task force between Nigeria and the US is a great example.
“It is clear that there is an 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.
“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.
“Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”
Moore is visiting Nigeria after months of tense debate between US and Nigerian officials over the alleged persecution of Christians.
