Christians Face Greater Risk if Nigeria Is Destabilised — US Lawmaker

A United States legislator, Riley Moore, has cautioned that promoting separatist tendencies in Nigeria could aggravate insecurity and expose Christian communities to increased danger, both within the country and across Africa.

Moore disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X account on Saturday, where he revealed that he recently undertook a fact-finding mission to Nigeria to gain firsthand insight into claims of persecution against Christians.

He explained that the visit involved extensive engagements with government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations and internally displaced persons, aimed at understanding the challenges confronting Christian communities, particularly in the North and the Middle Belt.

According to Moore, discussions during his meetings did not meaningfully include calls for the country’s division. He stressed that encouraging separatist narratives would only worsen conditions for Christians, especially in vulnerable regions.

Moore warned that a destabilised Nigeria would strengthen terrorist groups and further undermine the safety of Christians, not just nationally but across the continent.

He also pointed to recent security collaboration between the United States and Nigeria as a significant step toward addressing violence. Moore described the newly established security cooperation agreement between both countries as crucial to curbing insecurity and strengthening bilateral ties.

Reaffirming his stance, Moore said he remained committed to supporting Nigerians affected by terrorism, noting that his concern extended to all citizens suffering from instability, regardless of faith.