US Lawmaker: Joint US–Nigeria Security Plan Could Finally Crush Terrorism

A member of the United States Congress, Rep. Riley M. Moore, says he is confident that terrorism in Nigeria can be decisively defeated if the outcomes of recent high-level security talks between both nations are fully carried out.

Moore spoke after a closed-door meeting in Abuja involving a visiting US Congressional delegation and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The discussions focused on strengthening security cooperation and dismantling terrorist networks, particularly across the North-East.

According to him, both sides agreed on “concrete steps and actions” capable of improving national security, disrupting extremist groups, and ending the persistent killings of Christians, especially in the Middle Belt. He added that the issue of religiously motivated attacks has drawn the attention of the US President and remains a personal priority for him.

Moore praised the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful rescue of 100 Catholic schoolchildren recently abducted by armed groups. He described the operation as a positive indication of the government’s growing responsiveness to escalating insecurity.

He explained that the rescue also aligns with President Tinubu’s newly declared emergency security framework, which aims to accelerate counter-terrorism operations nationwide.

The congressman further revealed that both countries are edging closer to a formal cooperative security arrangement. He pointed to the creation of a joint Nigeria–US task force as clear evidence of deeper collaboration.

“The US sense of urgency was well received, and I believe a framework for cooperation is now within reach,” he noted.

While admitting that significant work remains, Moore said the Nigerian government has shown readiness to partner with the United States on counter-terrorism, security reform, and human rights issues. However, he stressed that genuine progress will depend on translating goodwill into visible action across affected regions.

He expressed hope for sustained dialogue and continued strategic engagement, saying the latest developments suggest a positive shift in the fight against insecurity.