US lawmaker applauds Tinubu, Nigerian government for rescue of 100 abducted pupils

United States Congressman Riley Moore has praised the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful rescue of 100 Catholic schoolchildren abducted in Niger State, describing the operation as a reassuring indication of Nigeria’s improving security response.

Moore, who is currently in Nigeria for consultations with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, shared his remarks in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

“I want to thank the Nigerian government and @officialABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children. This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu,” he said.

The Daily Crucible reports that Moore—who previously accused Nigerian authorities of failing to stem what he described as a “Christian genocide”—appears to have moderated his stance. He acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government and President Tinubu, noting that he and other visiting American lawmakers held “productive and positive” engagements with NSA Nuhu Ribadu.

Moore is part of a U.S. congressional delegation in Nigeria for high-level talks on security cooperation.

According to him, the concerns presented by the U.S. delegation were constructively received by Nigerian officials, with discussions leading to the formation of a joint Nigeria–U.S. task force—an indication, he said, of strengthening bilateral collaboration.

He added that sincerity must be matched with action and extended goodwill to Nigerians, declaring, “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”

While acknowledging progress, Moore stressed that significant challenges remain. “There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with the Nigerian government and continued open dialogue,” he noted.

He disclosed that both sides reviewed concrete measures which, if fully implemented, could bolster national security, degrade terrorist networks in the North-East, and curb attacks on Christian communities—an issue of concern to him and President Joe Biden.

“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 organisations in the North-East and stop the killing of Christians — a specific concern for @POTUS and me — particularly in the Middle Belt,” Moore added.