Ribadu, who disclosed the meeting in an update posted on X, said the visit followed earlier discussions held in Washington, D.C., where both sides outlined shared security priorities and areas of mutual interest.
He revealed that the delegation comprised Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, and Rep. Riley Moore. The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also in attendance.
According to Ribadu, the talks focused on counter-terrorism collaboration, promoting regional stability, and expanding strategic defence partnership frameworks between both nations.
“I am optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security,” he stated.
In a separate post, Congressman Riley Moore described the Nigeria visit—including a stopover in Benue State—as “very productive,” noting that the meetings were held on behalf of the American people.
The engagement comes amid renewed diplomatic tension following U.S. President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations — a move that warned of possible U.S. military involvement. The Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed the allegations, insisting that insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.
Nigeria has continued to strengthen international partnerships to address security challenges. On November 20, Ribadu held talks with U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, at the Pentagon, while President Bola Tinubu, on November 27, approved the Nigerian representatives for the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, established to deepen bilateral cooperation.
