A New Dawn Of Cooperation: Commending Rep. Riley M. Moore And Nigeria’s Security Delegation -By Kehinde Adewole

At a time when Nigeria stands at a crossroads in its fight against terrorism, religious persecution, and widespread violence, the recent engagement in Washington, D.C. between Rep. Riley M. Moore of West Virginia’s 2nd District and a high-powered Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu represents a significant step forward. It is a moment deserving of commendation, reflection, and renewed commitment from all stakeholders—both domestically and internationally.

The meeting facilitated a frank, honest, and productive conversation, one that is often lacking in diplomatic exchanges. At the centre of the discussion were the ongoing persecution of Christians in parts of Nigeria and the persistent, evolving threats posed by terrorist networks that continue to wreak havoc across the country. For once, everyone sat at the same table, sharing a common objective: to end the bloodshed.

The Nigerian delegation did not shy away from stating the realities on the ground. They openly acknowledged their government’s challenges and concerns regarding counterterrorism operations, security assistance, the protection of vulnerable communities, and the complex dynamics of violence across the nation. That transparency alone signals a government that is ready to work, ready to reform, and ready to partner in earnest.

Rep. Moore’s stance during the engagement was equally admirable. He made it unequivocally clear that the United States is ready, indeed eager, to coordinate and cooperate with Nigeria to tackle terrorism and end all forms of religious persecution. His reminder that former President Donald Trump does not make idle threats underscored the seriousness with which the U.S. views the killings and kidnappings that have plagued Nigeria. Rep. Moore’s pledge to continue monitoring developments and to encourage Nigeria to accept Washington’s open hand of cooperation is not just appreciated; it is essential.

The presence of Nigeria’s top security, intelligence, legal, diplomatic, and foreign affairs officials further demonstrates the weight Nigeria attaches to this partnership. The delegation included:

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu – National Security Adviser & Leader of the Delegation

Her Excellency, Bianca Ojukwu – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

IGP Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police

Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN – Attorney General of the Federation

General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff

Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence

Ms Idayat Hassan – Special Adviser to the NSA

Ambassador Ibrahim Babani – Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA

Ambassador Nuru Biu – Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria

Paul Alabi – Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria

Such a delegation clearly signals the seriousness of intent. It shows that the Nigerian government is committed to identifying solutions, making progress, and forging stronger alliances to overcome the country’s security challenges.

I strongly believe this engagement will be the first of many. It lays the foundation for a collaborative, strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, one capable of turning the tide against terrorism, religious persecution, and the senseless killings that have cost too many innocent lives.

Nigeria, at the end of all these efforts, will be victorious. But victory requires unity. Now is the time for all hands to be on deck. We must join together, government, civil society, communities, and international partners, to stop the kidnappings, the killings, and the endless cycle of violence.

The road ahead is long, but this meeting has already set the nation on a promising trajectory. There is no doubt that this engagement marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria-U.S. cooperation, one that will help secure our country and protect every Nigerian, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.

A safer, stronger Nigeria is achievable, and with continued collaboration, it is inevitable.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole