Airstrikes, first step to ending killings in Nigeria — US Congressman

US Congressman Riley Moore has welcomed recent airstrikes in North West Nigeria as an important step to protect Christian communities and address the country’s ongoing security crisis.

Speaking on Friday via his X account, Moore described the strikes, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, as “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. Do not test his resolve,” Moore added.

The comments followed reports that US forces, acting under President Trump’s directive, targeted ISIS-linked terrorist elements in North West Nigeria. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the strikes were conducted 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,” Hegseth said.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the strikes formed part of structured security cooperation with international partners to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

Moore recently led a five-member congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, visiting Benue State to meet IDPs, survivors of terrorist attacks, Christian leaders, and traditional rulers.

The team also held discussions with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi.

On Fox News, Moore recounted harrowing cases of violence, including a woman who lost five children while pregnant and another who lost her husband, two daughters, and unborn child, describing the attacks as deliberate targeting of Christians.

“This is one of the most dangerous states in Nigeria. They are trying to erase Christians in Benue and across Nigeria from their ancestral homeland,” Moore said.

He added that President Trump had 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 killings of Christians.