United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has advised that calls for Nigeria’s breakup are counterproductive to regional security and would worsen conditions for persecuted Christian communities.
The advice followed the Congressman’s return from a fact-finding visit to Nigeria, where he met with government officials, religious leaders, humanitarian organisations, and displaced persons.
“I have traveled 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.
“In my discussions, the idea of dividing the country has not come up in any serious way. Efforts to embolden separatists hurts Christians in Nigeria – especially in the North and Middle Belt”, Moore noted.
He framed national unity as a strategic imperative for security, arguing that fragmentation would benefit extremist organizations.
“A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent”, he said.
Moore’s assessment positions the newly established U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation agreement as a more viable mechanism for addressing violence than separatist agendas. He identified the pact as a key step in confronting instability and strengthening bilateral relations
“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.
“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 added.
The Congressman concluded by reaffirming his focus on supporting all Nigerians affected by terrorism through diplomatic and security cooperation, rather than through political fragmentation.
Congressman Riley Moore serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where international security and religious freedom are key priorities.
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