NSA Ribadu Meets U.S. Congressional Delegation in Abuja as Nigeria–U.S. Security Talks Deepen Amid Diplomatic Tensions

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Sunday hosted a high-level delegation from the United States Congress in Abuja, marking another step in the ongoing security dialogue between Nigeria and the United States. The visit comes on the heels of earlier meetings in Washington, D.C., where both countries discussed shared security concerns and areas of strategic cooperation.

Ribadu, who announced the development on his X handle, described the engagement as part of a continuous effort to strengthen bilateral security ties. He stated that the Congressional team was on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria and that the meeting built on previous discussions with American officials.

The delegation included prominent U.S. lawmakers: Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley Moore. The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, also attended the talks, which Ribadu said underscored the importance both nations place on their partnership.

According to the NSA, the dialogue focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and new avenues to expand the strategic security collaboration between the two countries. Ribadu expressed optimism that the visit would “deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security.”

Congressman Riley Moore, also posting on X, described the trip as “very productive,” noting that the delegation held meetings with government officials and visited Benue State. “I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people,” Moore wrote, adding that more details of the mission would be released soon.

The visit took place during a period of heightened diplomatic strain following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom—an action accompanied by warnings of potential U.S. military involvement. The Nigerian government has rejected these allegations, insisting that insecurity affects citizens of all religions and is not targeted at any particular faith community.

Despite the friction, Nigeria has continued to pursue stronger diplomatic and security partnerships with global allies. On November 20, Ribadu met with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where both sides discussed coordinated strategies to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

Further consolidating ties, President Bola Tinubu on November 27 approved the Nigerian membership of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, established to deepen collaboration following agreements reached during the recent high-level delegation visit to Washington, D.C.

As both countries navigate diplomatic sensitivities, the latest Congressional visit signals a mutual willingness to maintain dialogue, enhance cooperation, and confront shared security threats across the West African region.