After Conciliation With Team Ribadu, US Declares Nigeria on Positive Path

In an effort to ease diplomatic tensions and demonstrate a newfound willingness to cooperate with Abuja on its security concerns, the US yesterday eased its position toward Nigeria, moving from weeks of aggressive rhetoric to a noticeably conciliatory tone.

In response to growing criticism that its previous stance, which was characterized by threats, stern warnings, and accusations of state-backed abuses, may jeopardize collaboration with Africa’s greatest democracy, the recalibration came after meetings between the two nations.

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 seemed 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 to Nigeria on a fact-finding mission, was the source of this new course.

This happened on Monday, when President Bola Tinubu praised the security services for their unceasing efforts in achieving the release of the 100 kids from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State and ordered the safe and unharmed recovery of any remaining kidnappers.

However, Moore said in a statement released yesterday during the visit to Nigeria that the US delegation and the Tinubu government discussed specific measures to enhance the country’s security situation, emphasizing that the discussions were fruitful and constructive.

The head of the US team in Nigeria pointed out that a cooperative security framework was in sight and that the US’s feeling of urgency about its concerns was well welcomed.

“I would like to express my gratitude to National Security Advisor @NuhuRibadu for a fruitful and encouraging discussion with the US Congressional delegation in Nigeria.

In the statement shared on his X handle, Moore stated, “There were concrete 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 just been abducted by terrorists in Niger State.

“I want to express my gratitude to @officialABAT and the Nigerian government for saving the 100 defenseless and priceless Catholic schoolchildren. This demonstrates the government’s growing responsiveness to the security situation and its commitment to President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency.

The quickness with which the US addressed our issues was well accepted. I believe that a framework for cooperative security is imminent. An excellent example is the recently formed joint task force between Nigeria and the United States.

“It is evident that the Nigerian administration is ready and able to collaborate with the United States to address these important concerns. This transparency now needs to be translated into tangible action.

Even though there is still a lot of work to be done, progress is being made. I’m excited about the upcoming initiatives with the Nigerian government and the ongoing candid communication. May you all find peace. Moore said, “God bless the wonderful people of Nigeria.

When Trump raised the possibility of military action in Nigeria due to claims that Islamist militants were “killing Christians in very large numbers,” tensions began to escalate. He also cautioned that if the situation did not improve, the US might stop providing help and take other action.

In response, the Nigerian government denied allegations of deliberate religious persecution, claiming that violence in Nigeria affects people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Even after Trump’s “guns-a-blazing” and “disgraced country” statements, both nations have now decided to increase security cooperation despite the heated rhetoric.

Trump announced on social media on November 1, 2025, that he had directed the US Department of War 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 did not put an end to what he said were Christian killings.

He even threatened to “go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

He called on the Nigerian government to “move fast,” saying, “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 to secure the release 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 while simultaneously charging the security authorities with ensuring the prompt release of the 115 pupils and their teachers who are still being held captive.

Tinubu gave the parents assurances that the Niger State and federal governments are closely collaborating to bring all of the kidnapped youngsters back to their families.

“I have been informed that 100 pupils from the Catholic school in Niger State have returned safely. I celebrate with 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 order our security forces to retrieve and safely return all students and other kidnapped Nigerians around the nation. We have to account for every victim. The federal government will keep collaborating with Niger State and other governments to secure our schools and provide a more secure and favorable learning environment for our children.

“Our security services must now work with the governors to stop kidnappings in the future. 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 unimaginable trauma.”