Ribadu Leads Nigerian Delegation to U.S. as Christian Persecution Claims Escalate

Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, led a high-level delegation to the United States as pressure mounted in Washington over allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria. The claims intensified after Vice-President Kashim Shettima voiced support for a two-state solution to the Israel–Gaza conflict, a position that triggered renewed scrutiny from U.S. political figures.

Earlier in the month, President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and directed lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore, to investigate the situation and report back to him. Despite repeated efforts by Abuja to counter the accusations, U.S. officials continued to insist there was evidence of targeted religious violence.

Tensions rose further on Tuesday when American rapper Nicki Minaj appeared at the United Nations to testify on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Nigerian officials were not invited to the session, prompting a formal protest. Syndoph Endoni, Chargé d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, criticized the exclusion, describing it as “shaving our head in our absence.” The event was held in partnership with the U.S. Mission to the UN.

By Wednesday, the Nigerian delegation met with Moore, one of the most vocal proponents of the genocide narrative, to present Abuja’s position and outline the country’s security challenges. The team included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, and several senior officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian embassy.

Moore, who posted news of the meeting on social media, described the engagement as candid and productive. He said Nigerian officials detailed their concerns about terrorism, security assistance, and the protection of vulnerable communities, as well as ongoing violence across the country. In a statement, he reiterated his demand for visible action to ensure Christians are not subjected to attacks or displacement and emphasized the need for cooperation against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed groups operating in the Northeast and Middle Belt.

He added that the United States, under the direction of President Trump and with broad congressional backing, expects stronger collaboration with Nigeria to curb extremist violence and safeguard affected populations.

As of the time this report was filed, the Nigerian delegation had not released an official statement on its visit.