INSECURITY: US CONGRESSIONAL FACT-FINDING TEAM ARRIVES ABUJA, HOLDS STRATEGIC SECURITY TALKS WITH NSA RIBADU
By Emeka Amaefula
A high-powered United States Congressional fact-finding delegation has arrived in Nigeria to deepen bilateral action on counter-terrorism and regional security, following renewed diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Washington.
National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who received the delegation in Abuja, described the mission as another step toward consolidating strategic cooperation between both countries. In an official statement posted on his X handle, Ribadu said: “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 explained that the visiting U.S. lawmakers and security officials engaged in extended discussions focused on terrorism threats, intelligence sharing, regional stabilization in the Lake Chad basin, and ensuring strengthened operational coordination between the Nigerian government and United States agencies. Ribadu emphasized: “The discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria–U.S. strategic security partnership.”
The delegation, led by senior U.S. congressional members, included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, and Rep. Riley Moore, and was accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills. The lawmakers reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting Nigerian security reforms and democratic stability. According to diplomatic sources at the briefing, the delegation noted that the United States views Nigeria as a critical anchor nation in West Africa, with Rep. Díaz-Balart stating: “Our mission is to understand, support, and strengthen cooperation with Nigeria as both nations confront shared security challenges and global threats.”
Rep. Norma Torres also underscored the urgency of sustained partnership and accountability in counter-terrorism operations, saying: “We are here not only to listen but to reinforce the United States Congress’ readiness to work with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational criminal networks.”
Ribadu expressed confidence that ongoing talks will translate into deeper operational synergy and structured support frameworks that enhance Nigeria’s national defence capacity. He remarked: “I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security.”
The visit signals renewed momentum in U.S.–Nigeria security dialogue, following briefings held earlier in Washington, D.C., which focused on tightening border intelligence, modern defence technology cooperation, maritime security, and humanitarian stabilization in conflict-impacted regions across the country.
Both sides are expected to continue technical consultations during the delegation’s stay, with expectations that renewed strategic commitments will shape a more coordinated response to insurgency, kidnapping, cyber-crime, and organized weapons trafficking across West and Central Africa.
The fact-finding mission is anticipated to pave the way for enhanced U.S. congressional oversight support and expanded bilateral assistance programmes targeting defence modernization, security sector reform, and counter-radicalization strategies.
——–Emeka Amaefula —-+234(0)8111813069—-
