United States Congressman Riley Moore has said the US and Nigeria are close to finalising a strategic security framework aimed at addressing terrorism and insecurity in parts of the country.
Moore disclosed this in a post on X on Sunday, following a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, where he led a delegation of US lawmakers to assess the impact of violent extremism, particularly in Benue and Plateau states. He said the proposed framework would focus on countering extremist groups operating in the North-East and Middle Belt regions.
During the visit, Moore and his delegation met with senior Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi. The delegation also held discussions with religious and traditional leaders, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and other stakeholders in the affected states.
Expressing optimism over the engagements, Moore said discussions with Nigerian authorities were positive and had brought both countries closer to a coordinated security strategy. He added that a report from the mission would be presented to US President Donald Trump, outlining ways to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria in addressing violent extremism.
Moore said the delegation encountered victims of attacks during the visit, describing their experiences as distressing and underscoring the urgency of addressing insecurity.
The comments come amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States following concerns raised in Washington over insecurity in the country. The Nigerian government had earlier initiated dialogue with US authorities after Nigeria was redesignated a Country of Particular Concern, a move Abuja said did not reflect realities on the ground.
In response, the Federal Government dispatched a delegation led by the National Security Adviser to the United States to present its position and outline measures being taken to address insecurity. These measures include the declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity, the establishment of a US-Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, and the appointment of Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence.
The Federal Government has maintained that it is committed to working with international partners, including the United States, to tackle terrorism and restore security across the country.
