United States Congressman Riley Moore has met with the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang.

The duo met during Mutfwang’s trade and security mission to the United States, where the US lawmaker pledged America’s continued support in addressing security and economic challenges in Nigeria, particularly the protection of Christians and other vulnerable groups.

Moore said the engagement with the Plateau governor was productive and forward-looking.

“It was an honor to meet with the governor of Plateau state in Nigeria, Caleb Mutfwang, yesterday,” Moore wrote on his X handle on Tuesday, sharing a photo of himself and the Plateau governor.

“We had a meaningful and productive conversation about deepening the ties between our two countries.”

The US lawmaker said Washington remains committed to working closely with Nigeria to confront shared challenges.

“I remain committed to working with the Nigerian government in coordination and cooperation to address these security and economic challenges, especially the persecution our Christian brothers and sisters face,” Moore said.

The meeting comes nearly two months after Moore announced that the Federal Government and the United States were close to reaching an agreement on a “strategic security framework” aimed at tackling terrorism in Nigeria.

On January 25, Moore said the establishment of the US-Nigeria working group is a necessary step toward combating the security challenges facing Nigeria.

Country Of Particular Concern

In November 2025, the United States redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom, a move that was accompanied by threats of possible US military intervention.

U.S. President Donald Trump thereafter threatened to attack the country, alleging the West African nation is not doing enough to protect its Christian citizens.

Following the allegations, the West African country was designated as a Country of Particular Concern, a congressional designation in the U.S. for countries responsible for religious oppression.

The Nigerian government firmly rejected the claim of Christian genocide, saying the armed groups target people regardless of their faith.

The diplomatic dispute has led to increased military cooperation between the two countries. The terms of the cooperation have been unclear. The U.S has supplied Nigeria with military equipment and carried out reconnaissance missions across Nigeria.

Nigeria has been battling several armed groups across the country. The groups include Islamist sects like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.

Last month, an armed group launched simultaneous attacks on three churches in northwestern Kaduna state abducting 168 people. (Channels)

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