National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Sunday hosted a visiting delegation of the United States Congress in Abuja

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Sunday hosted a visiting delegation of the United States Congress in Abuja, continuing high-level engagements aimed at strengthening security cooperation between both countries.

Ribadu, in a post on X, said the lawmakers were in Nigeria on a fact-finding mission, following earlier meetings in Washington, D.C., where discussions centred on shared security priorities, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional stability.

“This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” he wrote.

The delegation included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Rep. Riley M. Moore. The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also in attendance — a presence Ribadu said underscored “the significance both countries place on this partnership.”

The NSA said talks focused on deepening counter-terrorism collaboration, strengthening regional security coordination, and exploring additional pathways to reinforce the strategic partnership between Abuja and Washington.

“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he added.

The meeting came amid heightened diplomatic tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious-freedom violations, a move that came with warnings of possible US military involvement. The Federal Government has repeatedly rejected claims of religious persecution, insisting that insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.

Despite the pressure, the government has continued to pursue broader diplomatic and defence cooperation. On November 20, Ribadu met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, while on November 27, President Bola Tinubu approved Nigeria’s team for the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, a key outcome of the recent high-level engagements in Washington. (Sunday Tribune)

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