Separatism Will Deepen Terror Threat, Endanger Christians in Nigeria — US Congressman Warns

United States lawmaker Riley Moore has cautioned that any attempt to destabilise Nigeria through separatist agitations would worsen terrorism and further expose Christians to violence across the country and beyond.

Moore issued the warning on Saturday in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, following what he described as a fact-finding visit to Nigeria aimed at understanding allegations of widespread persecution of Christians.

According to the congressman, the visit involved extensive engagements with key stakeholders across the country, including government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations and internally displaced persons, particularly in areas affected by violence in the North and Middle Belt.

“I have travelled to Nigeria and engaged in multiple high-level meetings with Nigerian officials, the Church, aid groups across the country, and IDPs, to get a better understanding of the rampant persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” Moore said.

He stressed that, contrary to narratives being promoted in some quarters, the idea of breaking up Nigeria did not feature prominently in his discussions with those on the ground.

“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 said.

Moore warned that weakening Nigeria’s territorial and political stability would only strengthen terrorist groups and aggravate insecurity.

“A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent,” he said.

The US lawmaker also drew attention to recent steps taken by both countries to address insecurity, describing the newly signed security cooperation agreement between the United States and Nigeria as a significant development.

“The US and Nigeria have just entered into a security cooperation agreement, and that is an important step in tackling the violence in Nigeria and deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship between our great nations,” Moore said.

Reaffirming his commitment to advocacy and intervention, Moore said his concern extended beyond Christians alone to all Nigerians affected by terrorist violence.

“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. God bless you all,” he added.

During his visit, Moore also met with the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, where discussions centred on security challenges in the Middle Belt and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

He later described the engagement with the Plateau State governor as “both substantive and forward-looking,” noting that it focused on practical steps to deepen collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in addressing insecurity and protecting vulnerable communities.