US lawmaker warns against destabilizing Nigeria, says it will empower terrorists
US lawmaker Riley Moore has warned that efforts to encourage separatist agendas in Nigeria could worsen insecurity and put Christians at greater risk across the country and the continent.
In a statement via his official X (Formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Moore revealed that he conducted a fact-finding visit to Nigeria to better understand the situation of alleged Christian persecution.
Speaking on his visit, he said he engaged with Nigerian officials, church leaders, aid groups, and internally displaced persons across the country to grasp the challenges facing Christians, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.
“I have travelled to Nigeria and engaged in multiple high-level meetings with Nigerian officials, the Church, aid groups across the country, and IDPs, to get a better understanding of the rampant persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that discussions about dividing the country had not emerged in any serious way during his visit.
“In my discussions, the idea of dividing the country has not come up in any serious way. Efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria — especially in the North and Middle Belt,” Moore said.
The lawmaker warned that destabilising Nigeria could embolden terrorists and put Christians at greater risk.
“A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent,” he said.
Moore also highlighted recent security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria as a key step in tackling violence. “The US and Nigeria have just entered into a security cooperation agreement, and that is an important step in tackling the violence in Nigeria and deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship between our great nations,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting Nigerians affected by terrorism. “I remain committed to working to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ — and for that matter, all Nigerians — suffering from the instability wrought by terrorists throughout Nigeria. God bless you all,” Moore added.
Moore met with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, where both leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Moore reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Nigerian government to tackle insecurity and the persecution of Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt. He described the discussion with the governor as “both substantive and forward-looking,” noting its focus on enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
