US Congressman Riley Moore has praised the recent airstrikes in North West Nigeria as a decisive step toward ending attacks on Christian communities and addressing the broader security crisis in the country.
Speaking on Friday via his X account, Moore described the strikes, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, as “just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians.”
He added, “President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end. Do not test his resolve in this matter.”
The airstrikes, reportedly targeting ISIS-linked terrorist elements, were conducted under the direction of President Donald Trump.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Washington acted with Nigeria’s cooperation, writing on X: “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes formed part of structured security cooperation with international partners to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Moore recently concluded a fact-finding mission in Nigeria to investigate attacks on Christian communities.
Leading a five-member congressional delegation, he visited IDPs, survivors of terrorist attacks, Christian leaders, and traditional rulers in Benue State.
The team also met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi.
During his visit, Moore recounted harrowing incidents, including a woman who lost five children while pregnant and another who lost her husband, two daughters, and unborn child, calling the attacks a deliberate attempt to target Christians.
“This is one of the most dangerous states in Nigeria. They are trying to erase Christians in Benue and across Nigeria from their ancestral homeland,” he said.
Moore confirmed that he and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole were tasked by President Trump to submit a report with recommendations by the end of the month, following Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian killings.
