The meeting, which Moore described as “frank, honest, and productive,” took place on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Discussions centered on counterterrorism cooperation, security support, and safeguarding communities affected by attacks.
The Nigerian delegation included senior government officials such as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. E. A. P. Undiendeye, among others.
Moore said he emphasized the severity of ongoing attacks on Christians, stressing that the United States expects Nigeria to take concrete steps to prevent persecution, displacement, and killings.
“The United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subjected to violence simply for their faith,” Moore said.
He reaffirmed America’s willingness to support Nigeria in combating Boko Haram, ISWAP, and militant groups responsible for attacks in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions.
Moore urged the Nigerian government to work closely with the United States to address the crisis, noting that both President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress remain committed to ending religious violence and dismantling terrorist networks in Nigeria.
While Nigerian officials reportedly outlined the security challenges they face, they did not immediately release an official statement on the meeting.
Moore also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s previous comments dismissing claims of religious persecution, insisting that the situation on the ground contradicts those statements. He additionally condemned the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, asking for prayers for the victims and the vice principal who was killed.
The meeting came just hours before a key hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, which is set to examine President Trump’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. The session will hear testimonies from U.S. State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
