Alleged Genocide: ‘Trump Is Serious, Not Making Empty Threats’ – Riley Moore Warns Nigerian Delegation

A high-powered Nigerian government delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu met with U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday amid escalating allegations of Christian persecution and genocide in Nigeria.

The visit comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and ordered an investigation into claims that Christians are being targeted. The move followed comments by Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, who recently backed a two-state solution to the Israel–Gaza conflict, triggering intensified scrutiny from U.S. political and religious groups.

Trump tasked several lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore, to lead the inquiry. Despite repeated attempts by the Nigerian government to counter what it describes as a false narrative, U.S. officials have continued to act on growing claims that Christian communities face systemic persecution.

Tensions escalated further on Tuesday when American rapper Nicki Minaj was invited to the United Nations to testify against Nigeria in a session organised with the backing of the U.S. Mission to the UN. Nigerian officials were barred from attending the hearing, prompting a strong protest.

Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, condemned the move, likening it to “shaving our head in our absence.”

Ribadu Meets U.S. Congressmen

On Wednesday, Ribadu and senior government officials met Congressman Moore in Washington, D.C., to present Nigeria’s position and address concerns surrounding insecurity and religious violence.

The delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye, among other top security officials.

Moore confirmed the meeting on social media, describing the engagement as “open and constructive.” He said discussions focused on terrorism, security cooperation, and the protection of vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

“Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria,” Moore said.

He added that he had insisted the U.S. expects “tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Moore said the United States is willing to deepen collaboration with Nigeria to combat Boko Haram, ISWAP, and violent extremist groups, especially in the Northeast and Middle Belt.

He issued a strong warning, emphasising that both Congress and Trump are aligned on holding Nigeria accountable:

“President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.”

As of Wednesday night, the Nigerian delegation had not released any public statement regarding the engagement.

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