The tension between Nigeria and the United States appears to be easing, as Washington has now taken a noticeably calmer tone following days of heated comments over insecurity in the country.
This shift became clear after high-level discussions in Abuja, where both sides reviewed rising security concerns and sought ways to restore cooperation.
For weeks, the US had issued tough warnings, sparking diplomatic unease and raising questions about the future of defence relations between both countries.
But the mood changed after the latest engagements, with American officials signalling that a more cooperative path was now possible.
This new approach was echoed by Riley Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives and leader of the American team sent to Nigeria on a fact-finding assignment by President Donald Trump.
Moore, who has previously criticised the Nigerian government, struck a different tone after the meetings, noting that discussions with Abuja were “productive and positive.”
According to him, the talks touched on practical measures that could help address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
He said the Nigerian side showed seriousness in responding to the United States’ concerns, especially regarding attacks in the North-East and the Middle Belt.
“I want to thank National Security Advisor @NuhuRibadu for a productive and positive conversation with the US Congressional delegation to Nigeria.
“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 myself) – particularly in the Middle Belt of the country,” he said.
Moore also acknowledged the recent rescue operation in Niger State, where 100 kidnapped students of Papiri Catholic School were brought back safely.
He described the development as a sign that the Nigerian government was responding more quickly to incidents of mass abduction.
“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.
“The US’ sense of urgency on our concerns was positively received. I feel that a cooperative security framework is within sight. The now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US is a great example.
“It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action.”
He ended his message with a hopeful note, saying: “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 the continued open dialogue. Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”
The softened American tone marks a sharp contrast from earlier remarks by President Trump, who had warned that the US might consider military intervention in Nigeria.
At the time, Trump accused Islamic extremists of “killing Christians in very large numbers,” and even hinted that American forces could intervene “guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government failed to stop the violence.
Trump had also threatened to halt all US assistance to Nigeria if the situation continued. The Nigerian government, on its part, rejected claims of targeted religious persecution, insisting that insecurity affects citizens across all backgrounds.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has again commended security forces for rescuing 100 of the abducted Catholic school students.
In a statement, he urged the agencies to intensify efforts to free the remaining children and staff still being held.
“I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.
“My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims,” the President said.
Tinubu added that the federal government would continue working with states to secure schools, stressing that future kidnappings must be prevented.
He noted that students should never again become “sitting ducks” for armed groups.
As relations between Abuja and Washington enter a more constructive phase, both nations are expected to build on the momentum from the last round of talks in order to address the rising insecurity in the African country.