“Rescue of Niger Schoolchildren Shows Tinubu Is Stepping Up on Security,” Says US Rep Riley Moore

Riley Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives, has described the rescue of 100 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, as evidence that President Bola Tinubu is responding more decisively to Nigeria’s security concerns.

Moore, who is in Nigeria following months of tense exchanges between officials of both countries over allegations of Christian persecution, shared the view in a post on Monday after meeting with Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser. His visit follows last month’s high-level talks in Washington between Ribadu and US defence secretary Pete Hegseth, held on the same day Congress reviewed claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

During that hearing, Jonathan Pratt of the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs said Washington would work with Abuja on new measures — including a task force — to address the allegations. Moore confirmed that the task force has now been established, calling it a promising sign for a more coordinated security partnership.

He said discussions with Ribadu covered detailed steps aimed at strengthening security nationwide, degrading extremist groups in the northeast, and addressing targeted attacks on Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt. Moore praised the rescue of the schoolchildren as a meaningful indication of Nigeria’s improving response to threats and of its commitment to the emergency security plans announced by Tinubu.

Moore added that Nigerian officials have shown readiness to collaborate more closely with the US, stressing that this openness must now lead to sustained action. He said he expects continued dialogue as both governments work through the next phase of their security cooperation.