US Government Team Lands in Nigeria After Trump’s Threat Over Religious Persecution, Video Emerges

US Government Team Lands in Nigeria After Trump’s Threat Over Religious Persecution, Video Emerges

  • A United States congressional delegation arrived in Nigeria on December 7, 2025, amid rising concerns over religious persecution
  • The government confirmed the visit, which followed President Donald Trump’s recent warning to Nigeria over genocide claims
  • Talks between both sides focused on counter-terrorism, regional stability, and bolstering the Nigeria-US security partnership

A team of United States lawmakers arrived in Nigeria on December 7, following recent warnings from President Donald Trump over alleged religious persecution in the country.

Tinubu’s administration confirmed talks with US lawmakers on Nigeria–US relations and shared security priorities.
Donald Trump's US congressional delegation visits Nigeria to discuss counter-terrorism, regional stability, and a security partnership. Photo credit: Andrew Harnik/GettyImages
Source: Twitter

The Nigerian government confirmed the visit, describing it as part of ongoing security and diplomatic engagements between both nations.

Security Adviser confirms US visit to Nigeria

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, announced the arrival of the delegation in a post on X.

He wrote:

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

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"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.
"Discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria-US strategic security partnership.
"I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security. #NigeriaUS"

See the post on X below:

US-Nigeria visit focusing on security, stability

According to Ribadu, talks between the Nigerian government and the US delegation centred on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the nations' strategic security partnership.

The presence of Ambassador Richard Mills was said to underline the importance both countries placed on the mission.

Nigeria-US relations in spotlight

The visit by the US delegation came after President Trump’s recent threat to take action against Nigeria over concerns about religious freedom.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration confirmed the delegation’s arrival as part of efforts to maintain dialogue and cooperation with Washington.

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Observers noted that the engagement highlighted the growing focus on Nigeria-US relations, particularly in areas of peace, security, and regional stability.

Ribadu expressed optimism that the talks would help rebuild trust and strengthen collaboration between the two nations going forward.

Riley Moore joined US team in Nigeria, highlighting importance of Nigeria–US strategic cooperation.
Riley Moore joins the US team embarking on a fact-finding mission in Nigeria on December 7, 2025. Photo credit: Riley Moore/x
Source: Getty Images

List of 21 persons funding terrorism in Nigeria

Legit.ng earlier reported that in 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria had released a list of 21 individuals and six Bureau de Change (BDC) entities that were designated as financiers of terrorism.

The publication, made available through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) website, followed years of pressure from security experts, civil society bodies, and citizens demanding transparency.

This flashback comes amid renewed global attention on Nigeria’s security challenges in 2025, with American President Donald Trump expressing concern over rising insecurity in the West African nation.

Kaduna-based publisher Tukur Mamu, who is currently facing trial for allegedly aiding terrorists involved in the devastating 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack, led the names of those named in the 2024 report.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is an AFP-certified journalist. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Nasarawa State University (2023). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022). He is a 2025 CRA Grantee, 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow. Email: basitjamiu1st@gmail.com and basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.