Ribadu Hosts U.S. Congressional Delegation, Calls for Stronger Security Ties

By Peter Salami

National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu yesterday received a United States Congressional delegation in Abuja, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its strategic security partnership with Washington. Ribadu, writing on his official X handle, said the visit builds on earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., where both sides discussed shared priorities.

He noted that the high-level mission underscored the value both nations place on cooperation in counter-terrorism, regional stability, and broader security coordination. “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,” he wrote. “The discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria–U.S. strategic security partnership.”

The delegation included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, Rep. Riley Moore, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills. Ribadu expressed confidence that the meeting would yield stronger collaboration, saying he was optimistic the engagement would deepen trust and reinforce both countries’ commitment to regional peace and security.

The visit comes as diplomatic tensions rise following U.S. President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom, accompanied by threats of potential U.S. military intervention. The Federal Government has repeatedly rejected allegations of systemic persecution, insisting that insecurity affects all communities regardless of religion.

Amid increasing pressure, Nigeria has continued to seek diplomatic and security cooperation from international partners. On November 20, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Ribadu at the Pentagon for discussions on coordinated strategies to address the ongoing crisis.