Nigeria, Dec. 7 -- A United States Congressional delegation has arrived in Abuja and met with Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, as both countries intensify diplomatic engagement on security cooperation and rising concerns in Washington over allegations of religious persecution.

Mr Ribadu confirmed the visit in a statement on Sunday afternoon, saying he received the delegation "on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria," following earlier engagements in Washington, D.C. on shared security priorities.

The delegation included Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley Moore.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also in attendance, "reflecting the importance both ...