A United States congressman has praised recent airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria, calling them the opening move in ending deadly attacks on Christian communities. The strikes were reportedly carried out by US forces in coordination with Nigeria’s government under the direction of President Donald Trump.
US Representative Riley Moore said on Friday that the operation signaled a tougher approach to Nigeria’s long-running security crisis. Posting on X, Moore described the strikes as “just the first step” toward stopping what he called the slaughter of Christians and restoring security nationwide. He warned that President Trump’s stance on the issue should not be underestimated.
The airstrikes reportedly targeted ISIS-linked militant groups operating in Nigeria’s North West. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Washington acted with Nigeria’s cooperation, stressing that the US was responding to continued attacks on civilians. He said the administration remained ready to act where innocent lives were threatened, while thanking Nigerian authorities for their support.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that the strikes were part of an ongoing, structured security partnership with international allies aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Moore’s comments followed his recent visit to Nigeria, where he led a five-member congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission. The group traveled to Benue State, one of the areas hardest hit by violence, meeting internally displaced persons, survivors of attacks, Christian leaders, and traditional rulers.
He described the scenes as disturbing, recounting testimonies from victims who had lost entire families to violence. Speaking during a US television interview, Moore said the attacks appeared targeted, with communities driven from ancestral lands through fear and bloodshed.
During the visit, the delegation also held talks with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, to assess the government’s response to the crisis.
Moore confirmed that President Trump had asked him and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to submit recommendations by the end of the month. The task follows Nigeria’s designation by the US as a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of religious persecution.
As international pressure grows, the airstrikes have intensified debate over foreign involvement, local security reforms, and the next steps in addressing Nigeria’s deepening violence.
