In an effort to reduce diplomatic tensions and demonstrate a newfound willingness to cooperate with Abuja on its security issues, the US moderated its position toward Nigeria yesterday, 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, risked harming collaboration with Africa’s greatest democracy, the recalibration came after meetings between the two nations.
Senior US officials at the weekend returned the favor after a team from Nigeria led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu recently visited. 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 delegation that President Donald Trump sent to Nigeria to gather information, 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 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 team and the Tinubu government discussed specific measures to enhance the nation’s security, emphasizing that the discussions were fruitful and constructive.
The head of the US team in Nigeria stated that a cooperative security framework was in sight and that the US’s feeling of urgency on its concerns was well welcomed.
“I would want to express my gratitude to National Security Advisor @NuhuRibadu for a fruitful and encouraging discussion with the US Congressional group visiting Nigeria.
According to Moore’s statement on his X handle, “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 kidnapped by terrorists in Niger State.
“I want to express my gratitude to @officialABAT and the Nigerian government for saving the 100 innocent and priceless Catholic schoolchildren. This demonstrates the government’s escalating responsiveness to the security situation and its dedication to President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency.
The urgency with which the US addressed our issues was well accepted. I believe that a framework for cooperative security is on the horizon. One such example is the newly formed joint task force between the United States and Nigeria.
It is evident that the Nigerian government is willing and receptive to collaborating with the US to address these important concerns. This transparency now needs to be translated into practical action.
Although there is still a lot of work to be done, progress is being made. I’m excited about the upcoming actions with the Nigerian government and the ongoing candid communication. I wish you all 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 rise. In addition, he threatened that if the situation did not improve, the US might stop providing help and take other actions.
The Nigerian government responded by denying claims 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” comments, 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 given the US Department of War instructions to start getting ready for potential military action in Nigeria. In the tweet, he threatened to “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” if the Nigerian government continued to kill Christians, according to him.
He 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 urged 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 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 over the students’ safe return while also 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 collaborating closely to bring all of the kidnapped students back to their families.
“I’ve 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 incident on November 21.
“I continue to order our security forces to retrieve and safely return all of the students and other kidnapped Nigerians throughout the nation. Every victim must be taken into account. The federal government will keep collaborating with Niger State and other governments to safeguard our schools and provide a more secure and favorable learning environment for our children.
“Our security agencies must now work with the governors to stop kidnappings in the future. The President went on, “Our kids shouldn’t be sitting ducks for callous terrorists who want to interfere with their schooling and cause them and their parents unimaginable misery.
