A visiting United States congressional delegation has struck a markedly softer and more conciliatory tone toward Nigeria, signaling a reset in bilateral relations after weeks of unusually harsh rhetoric from Washington over the country’s security crisis. The shift followed the conclusion of a fact-finding visit to Abuja by a US congressional team led by Congressman Riley Moore, dispatched by President Donald Trump, and came days after separate consultations in Washington by a Nigerian delegation headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
In a statement issued after the visit, a copy of which was obtained by Culled From From Huhuonline.com, Moore, who represents West Virginia’s 2nd District in Congress, said discussions with Nigerian officials were “productive and positive” and revealed that a cooperative security framework between both countries is now within sight, marking a significant de-escalation in tensions that had threatened to undermine long-standing US-Nigeria security cooperation.
From Confrontation to Engagement
The visit represents a clear recalibration by Washington following weeks of combative statements, including threats by President Trump of military action and aid cuts over allegations that Islamist militants were “killing Christians in very large numbers” in Nigeria. Those comments, which culminated in a social media post on November 1 in which Trump warned that the US might intervene “guns-a-blazing”, drew a firm rebuttal from Abuja. Nigerian officials rejected claims of state-backed religious persecution, insisting that insecurity affects communities across religious and ethnic lines.
However, following diplomatic back-channel engagements and Ribadu’s recent visit to the US, senior American officials now appear to be favoring constructive engagement over public confrontation. “I want to thank National Security Advisor @NuhuRibadu for a productive and positive conversation with the US Congressional delegation to Nigeria,” Moore said. “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 north-east, and stop the killing of Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt.”
Joint Security Framework Emerging
Moore said Nigeria’s response to US concerns was encouraging, adding that a joint US–Nigeria task force had already been established, laying the groundwork for deeper security collaboration. “The US sense of urgency on our concerns was positively received,” he said, adding: “I feel that a cooperative security framework is within sight. It is clear 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 must translate into concrete action.” The remarks contrast sharply with earlier US warnings that aid could be suspended and punitive measures imposed if Nigeria failed to improve security outcomes.
Kidnapped Students and Confidence-Building Measures
The visit coincided with improvements on the ground that Nigerian officials say demonstrate growing momentum in security operations. On Monday, President Bola Tinubu welcomed the rescue of 100 students abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, praising security agencies for what he described as tireless efforts. In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed security agencies to ensure the safe and swift return of the remaining 115 students and their teachers still held by kidnappers.
“My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely,” Tinubu said, adding: “Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education.” Moore also cited the rescue operation as a positive signal. “I want to thank the Nigerian government and @officialABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children,” he said, describing the move as evidence of the government’s commitment to its recently declared security emergency.
Diplomatic Reset After Rising Tensions
Relations between Abuja and Washington had deteriorated rapidly after Trump’s public accusations and threats of unilateral action, including an announcement that he had ordered the US Department of War to prepare for possible military intervention. Despite the inflammatory language, Trump had branded Nigeria a “disgraced country” – both sides now appear eager to stabilize ties, with security cooperation once again taking precedence over public recriminations. Nigerian officials argue that continued US engagement is critical to addressing complex threats involving terrorism, banditry and mass kidnappings, particularly in the north-east and north-central regions.
Next Steps
While Moore stressed that “much work still needs to be done,” he expressed optimism about future collaboration and sustained dialogue between both governments. “There is progress,” he said. “Things are moving in the right direction.” For Nigeria, the visit offers a diplomatic reprieve and a chance to recalibrate relations with a key security partner. For the US, it signals a return to cautious pragmatism—acknowledging that cooperation, rather than confrontation, may offer the best prospect for containing Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
