A visiting United States legislator, Rep. Riley Moore, has hailed his recent engagement with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, describing the talks as “productive and positive”.
He also praised the Federal Government for the rescue of abducted Catholic schoolchildren, an outcome he said demonstrated Nigeria’s strengthened response to insecurity.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the US lawmaker said the discussions produced “concrete steps and actions” that, if fully carried out, “will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the north-east and stop the killing of Christians, a specific concern for @POTUS and myself, particularly in the Middle Belt of the country.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its handling of the recent school kidnapping case, saying: “I want to thank the Nigerian government and @official ABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children.
“This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu.”
The US legislator noted that Washington’s concerns were received with seriousness, adding that the US’ sense of urgency on our concerns was positively received.
“I feel that a cooperative security framework is within sight. The now-established joint task force between Nigeria and the US is a great example,” he stated.
He said Nigeria had shown “openness and willingness” to partner with the United States in tackling critical security challenges but stressed that such openness must translate into tangible results.
“There is much work still to be done,” he wrote, “but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue.”
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