A United States congressman, Riley Moore, has cautioned that attempts to empower separatist movements in Nigeria would heighten threats to Christian populations instead of offering them protection.
Moore made the statement after returning from Nigeria, where he visited in December on what he described as a fact-finding mission aimed at evaluating reports of sustained violence against Christian communities.
His visit coincided with increased global focus on Nigeria’s security situation, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump floated the idea of a possible military response to confront perpetrators of the attacks.
During his stay, the American lawmaker met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss the security challenges confronting affected regions. He also travelled to Benue State, holding talks with Governor Hyacinth Alia, alongside religious figures and traditional rulers in the area.
Moore additionally engaged with humanitarian groups and internally displaced persons who have been forced from their homes by prolonged insecurity, giving him direct exposure to the humanitarian toll the violence has taken on local populations.
Writing on his X handle on Saturday, Moore said the question of breaking up Nigeria was not a dominant theme during his engagements.
“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,” he wrote.
He warned that weakening the country’s stability would only worsen insecurity.
“A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent.”
The congressman reaffirmed his resolve to advocate for the protection of Christians and all Nigerians impacted 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,” he said.
Moore also revealed that Nigeria and the United States have entered into a security cooperation agreement, which he described as an important step toward tackling violence and reinforcing bilateral ties between both countries.
What you should know
US Congressman Riley Moore believes that pushing separatist agendas in Nigeria would worsen insecurity and expose Christian communities to greater danger.
After visiting Nigeria and engaging security officials, state leaders, displaced persons, and humanitarian groups, he concluded that national destabilisation would empower terrorist groups rather than solve the crisis.
Moore emphasized cooperation over division and confirmed a new security partnership between the United States and Nigeria, aimed at addressing terrorism and improving safety.
His comments come amid rising international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges and debates over external intervention.
