‘Genocide’: U.S. lawmakers visit Nigeria on fact-finding mission

A high-level delegation of United States lawmakers and diplomats visited Nigeria on Sunday as part of a security-focused fact-finding mission, amid growing concern in Washington over alleged killings of Christians in the country.

One of the visiting lawmakers, Riley Moore, wrote on X: “I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people. Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”

Moore has been especially vocal about alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, calling for a reassessment of U.S. military aid and tighter oversight of how American security assistance is deployed.

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also confirmed the visit on X, saying he hosted the U.S. Congressional delegation in Abuja, following earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., centred on shared security priorities.

“This morning, I received a U.S. Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., on shared security priorities.

“The delegation included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, and Rep. Riley M. Moore.

“U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Mills, also attended, reflecting the importance both nations attach to this engagement.”

Ribadu said discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and efforts to strengthen the Nigeria–U.S. strategic security partnership.

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

The visit comes as the U.S. Congress increases its scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly the alleged targeted killings of Christians in the North.

Several U.S. lawmakers, including members of the House Appropriations Committee and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), have accused the Nigerian government of failing to halt what they describe as a “genocidal campaign” carried out by extremist groups and armed militias.

The Nigerian government rejects this characterisation, insisting that the violence is rooted in banditry, terrorism, and resource conflicts rather than religious persecution.

Nonetheless, the Trump administration recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), adding to mounting international pressure.

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