Address Attacks On Christians Or Trump Will Help Address It For You; US Tells Tinubu Govt
United States Congressman Riley Moore of West Virginia has addressed Nigeria’s security situation following an interview on Newsmax, where he discussed a report submitted to the White House.
Moore, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, explained that the report was the result of an investigation into recent violence in Nigeria and drew on insights from his recent visit to the country.
He specifically referenced attacks on religious gatherings, providing details on the reported number of casualties during these incidents.
“So as you just reported, unfortunately, we’ve had 40 individuals who were killed at a Palm Sunday service, which is just tragic,” he said.
He also mentioned another incident involving a gathering in Kaduna State, where additional casualties were recorded.
“And then on top of that, you had another 13 Christians killed by Islamic radical militants at a Christian wedding on Sunday,” he said.
Speaking on engagement between both countries, he said recommendations have been presented on possible areas of cooperation.
“So we have a number of suggestions here of how the Nigerian government can work with the United States government to address this,” he said.
Addressing potential next steps, Moore stated that action could be taken if the situation is not addressed.
“But as President Trump has been very clear on this, if they don’t address this, we’re going to address it for them. Now, we will like to address it in cooperation and coordination but if they don’t do that, if they don’t step up to the plate here, we are going to start to take the lead on this,” he said.
Providing details of current involvement, he referred to the presence of US personnel working with Nigerian forces.
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“Now, currently, we have 200 military individuals from our armed forces there training and working with the Nigerian military to try to address their capability gaps that they have there,” he said.
He also mentioned the deployment of aerial systems, saying, “We have MQ-9 Reapers there currently as well.”
On previous operations, he referenced December 2025 military activity targeting armed groups.
“Tomahawk cruise missile strike just around Christmas in Nigeria to try to address ISIS and Boko Haram, which also operate in that country, largely unfettered, which is a terrible, terrible situation,” he said.
Assessing the response of Nigerian authorities, Moore said some steps had been taken.
“But look, the Nigerian government has been trying to make some steps toward this, but they’re not doing it fast enough, things aren’t happening quick enough. And these things keep happening, so something’s got to give here,” he said.
Responding to reports that described the situation as complex, he disagreed with that characterisation.
“Well, I mean, that’s just a false claim on its face, right?” he said.
He referred again to attacks on gatherings to support his position.
“But we’re here talking about, you and I, a Palm Service Sunday being attacked by Islamic radicals. We’re talking about a Christian wedding being attacked by Islamic radicals,” he said,
Drawing from his visit, he said he met displaced persons.
“When I was in Nigeria, I met with people who were Christians who were living in IDP camps,” he said.
He described the situation in the camps as part of his account.
“So they’re in refugee camps where Islamic radicals just roll through there and murder people who are living in refugee camps. So I’m not really sure how much more complex it is than that, than Islamic radical Muslims are running wild in this country,” he said.
He acknowledged that other factors have been cited in explaining the violence.
“And what they’ll argue is it’s about farmers and herders and things like that. Sure, that’s part of it. Are there non-Christians being killed in Nigeria? Of course, there are. I mean, there are terrorist organizations there. Yes, of course,” he said.
He concluded by stating his view on the pattern of attacks.
“But there is a systemic effort by Islamic radicals to eliminate Christian populations within Nigeria,” he said.
