In an effort to reduce diplomatic tensions and demonstrate a newfound willingness to cooperate with Abuja on its security concerns, the US moderated its position toward Nigeria yesterday, moving from weeks of aggressive rhetoric to a noticeably conciliatory tone.
The recalibration came after conversations between the two nations in the face of growing criticism that its previous stance, which was characterized by threats, stern warnings, and claims of state-backed abuses, might jeopardize collaboration with the largest democracy in Africa.
Senior US officials at the weekend reciprocated the gesture following a recent visit by a team from Nigeria headed by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. Some of the most outspoken opponents of the Bola Tinubu administration now seem to be in favor of “constructive engagement,” a significant shift from the combative language that had characterized recent interactions.
Riley Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives and the head of the US team that President Donald Trump sent on a fact-finding trip to Nigeria, was the source of this new course.
This happened on Monday, when President Bola Tinubu praised the security services for their unceasing efforts to secure the release of the 100 children from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State and ordered the safe and unharmed rescue of those who were remained in the kidnappers’ cave.
However, Moore said in a statement released yesterday during the visit to Nigeria that the US team and the Tinubu government discussed specific measures to enhance the nation’s security situation, emphasizing that the discussions were fruitful and constructive.
A cooperative security framework was in sight, according to the head of the US team visiting Nigeria, who also emphasized that the US’s feeling of urgency regarding its concerns was well accepted.
“I would want to express my gratitude to National Security Advisor @NuhuRibadu for a fruitful and constructive discussion with the US Congressional group visiting Nigeria.
In the statement posted on his X handle, Moore stated, “There were specific steps and actions discussed at length that, if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians (a specific concern for @POTUS and myself) – particularly in the Middle Belt of the country.”
Moore also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for saving 100 students who had been kidnapped by terrorists in Niger State.
“I would want to express my gratitude to @officialABAT and the Nigerian government for saving the 100 innocent and priceless Catholic schoolchildren. This is a good indication of the government’s growing reaction to the security issue and demonstrates its dedication to President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation.
“The US’s urgency regarding our issues was well accepted. A framework for cooperative security seems to be in reach. An excellent example is the joint task group that Nigeria and the US have just established.
It is evident that the Nigerian administration is eager and able to collaborate with the US to address these pressing concerns. That transparency must now result in tangible action.
“Things are going well, but there is still a lot of work to be done. I’m excited about the next actions and the ongoing candid communication with the Nigerian administration. I hope everyone has peace. “God bless Nigeria’s wonderful people,” Moore said.
When Trump hinted at potential military action in Nigeria due to claims that Islamist extremists were “killing Christians in very large numbers,” tensions began to rise. Additionally, he threatened that if the situation did not improve, the US might stop providing help and take other actions.
In response, the Nigerian government denied allegations of deliberate religious persecution, claiming that violence in Nigeria affects people of all ethnicities and religions.
Even after Trump’s “guns-a-blazing” and “disgraced country” remarks, both nations have now decided to increase security cooperation despite the heated rhetoric.
On November 1, 2025, Trump announced on social media that he had given the US Department of War instructions to start getting ready for potential military action in Nigeria. In the article, he threatened to “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” if the Nigerian government failed to put an end to what he said were Christian killings.
He continued by threatening to “go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
He urged the Nigerian government to “move fast” and declared, “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our Cherished Christians!”
Tinubu also praised the security services yesterday for their unceasing efforts in ensuring the liberation of the 100 pupils at Niger State’s Papiri Catholic School.
In a statement released by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed his happiness for the students’ safe return and charged the security authorities with ensuring the prompt release of the 115 pupils and their teachers who are still being held captive.
Tinubu reassured the parents that efforts are being made by the federal and Niger State governments to bring all of the kidnapped pupils back to their homes.
“I’ve been informed about the safe homecoming of one hundred pupils from the Niger State Catholic School. I congratulate Governor Umar Bago and applaud our security services for their unwavering efforts to guarantee the students’ safe return to their families following the regrettable event on November 21.
“I continue to tell our security forces that every student and other kidnapped Nigerian must be saved and returned home safely. All the victims must be taken into consideration. In order to secure our schools and create a more secure and favorable learning environment for our children, the federal government will keep working with Niger State and other states.
“From now on, similar kidnappings must be stopped by our security agencies in collaboration with the governors. The President went on, “Our kids shouldn’t be sitting ducks for ruthless terrorists who want to interfere with their education and cause them and their parents unspeakable trauma.”
