Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday hosted a delegation of the United States Congress in Abuja, deepening ongoing defence and intelligence consultations between both countries at a time of heightened diplomatic strain.
Ribadu, who disclosed the meeting on his X handle, said the lawmakers were visiting Nigeria on a fact-finding mission following earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., where discussions centred on counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, and stabilising the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
“This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., on shared security priorities,” he wrote.
The delegation comprised Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley Moore. The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also in attendance, a presence Ribadu described as underscoring “the significance both countries place on this partnership.”
Ribadu said the talks focused on strengthening the strategic security framework between both nations as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, banditry and separatist violence.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he said.
In a separate post, Rep. Riley Moore described the mission as “very productive,” confirming that the delegation also visited Benue State to meet local officials and stakeholders.
“I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people,” he said. “We had rounds of meetings with the Nigerian government and people on the ground, including stops in Benue State. More details to come.”
The high-level consultations come less than three weeks after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom — a move that triggered diplomatic tension after the White House warned of possible US military action.
The Federal Government has repeatedly dismissed the allegations, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges cut across all religious lines and are not targeted at any group.
The Abuja meeting also builds on recent engagements between both governments.
On November 20, Ribadu met US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, at the Pentagon to discuss coordinated strategies for counter-terrorism operations.
One week later, President Bola Tinubu approved the Nigerian members of the newly-constituted Nigeria–US Joint Working Group, a bilateral platform agreed upon during Ribadu’s earlier trip to Washington.
Government officials say the group will serve as a permanent channel for intelligence coordination, military planning and policy dialogue as Nigeria seeks firmer backing from global partners.
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