The visit comes amid escalating US scrutiny, triggered earlier this month when President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations, tasking lawmakers like Congressman Riley Moore with investigating the claims.

Tensions peaked Tuesday when US rapper Nicki Minaj testified at the United Nations headquarters in New York, without Nigeria’s presence, accusing the country of failing to protect Christians. 

The event, co-hosted by the US Permanent Mission to the UN, drew sharp rebuke from Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Syndoph Endoni, who called it “shaving our head in our absence.

“The controversy gained steam after Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent endorsement of a two-state solution for Israel and Gaza, which some US conservatives linked to perceived religious biases in Nigerian policy.

On Wednesday, Ribadu’s team, including 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 Undiandeye, and others, held “frank and productive” talks with Moore in Washington.

Moore, in a social media post and statement, praised the dialogue but issued a stern ultimatum: “I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“He highlighted Nigeria’s challenges with Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants in the Northeast and Middle Belt, adding: “We stand ready to work cooperatively… to combat the terrorism perpetrated against their population, specifically Christians.”

The congressman stressed US resolve under Trump and Congress to deepen ties, but only if Nigeria acts decisively. 

“President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.

“As of Thursday, the Nigerian delegation had not issued an official readout, but sources say the meetings focused on counterterrorism cooperation, security aid, and protecting vulnerable communities.