US Congressman Riley Moore has praised recent airstrikes in North-West Nigeria, describing them as a decisive measure to protect Christian communities and address the country’s ongoing security challenges.
Speaking on Friday via his X handle, Moore said the strikes, conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, marked “just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians.”
“President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end. As I stated at the outset: Do not test President Trump‘s resolve in this matter,” the congressman added.
The comments follow reports that US forces, under President Donald Trump’s direction, carried out airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorist elements in North-West Nigeria.
In a separate statement, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Washington acted with Nigeria’s cooperation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The Department of War is always ready…Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” Hegseth wrote.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that 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, describing the experience as deeply disturbing. Leading a five-member congressional delegation, he visited IDP camps, survivors of terrorist attacks, Christian leaders, and traditional rulers in Benue State.
The delegation also met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi.
Moore earlier confirmed that President Trump tasked him and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole 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.
