America delegation arrives Nigeria, meets Ribadu on strategic security partnership

A United States Congressional delegation has arrived Nigeria and met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on strategic security partnership held in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Penpushing reports that Ribadu confirmed the visit in a statement on Sunday afternoon, explaining that he received the delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following earlier engagements in Washington, D.C. on shared security priorities.

The delegation included Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley Moore, as well as the United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills

Penpushing further reports that Ribadu emphasized that discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria–America strategic security partnership.

The National Security Adviser said he was optimistic the engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security, as both countries intensify diplomatic engagement on security cooperation and rising concerns in Washington over allegations of religious persecution.

Penpushing also reports that Sunday’s meeting comes weeks after Ribadu led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Washington amid heightened America congressional scrutiny and a renewed push by some American lawmakers to categorise Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged Christian persecution.

The Nigerian delegation during the America visits, which included senior government, security, intelligence, and diplomatic officials, held a series of engagements with key administration figures, including the American Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.

Penpushing reports that Hegseth said he discussed “horrific violence against Christians” in Nigeria with the delegation, adding that Washington was working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists.

The delegation earlier met with Rep. Riley Moore, one of the most vocal promoters of the false “Christian genocide” narrative, who described the talks as “frank, honest, and productive,” saying Nigerian officials outlined concerns about counterterrorism operations, security assistance, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Penpushing further reports that since September, several American politicians and campaigners, including Mike Arnold, Senator Ted Cruz and some Christian leaders, have amplified claims that Islamist militants in Nigeria are systematically targeting Christians.

The Senator has even sponsored a bill seeking punitive action against Nigerian officials and at the same time, a coalition of Christian leaders submitted a petition in October pushing for Nigeria’s redesignation as a CPC.

Penpushing also reports that the issue has sharply divided American lawmakers. a congressional hearing held last week split along partisan lines, with some members framing the crisis as “Christian genocide” and others warning that the narrative dangerously oversimplifies Nigeria’s complex and multi-layered security challenges.

The security researchers and credible media reports and a recent British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) fact-check) have raised doubts about the data driving the genocide claims, noting that many figures cannot be independently verified.

Penpushing reports that analysts argue that the narrative misrepresents Nigeria’s security challenge, which affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven mainly by non-state armed groups.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected the allegation, describing it as a gross misrepresentation of reality, while officials insist that terrorists attack anyone who opposes their ideology, regardless of faith.

Penpushing further reports that President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria will continue working with international partners, including the United States, to defeat terrorism in all its forms while resisting narratives that inflame religious tensions or mischaracterise the country’s security situation.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s visit by the American congressional team signals continued high-level engagement and Washington’s growing interest in Nigeria’s internal security dynamics as both sides negotiate the future shape of their strategic partnership.

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