Africa-Press – Nigeria. A United States Congressman, Rep. Riley Moore, has said further American airstrikes against terrorist camps in Nigeria are likely, dismissing concerns that the recent military action could spark a wider conflict.
Moore maintained that the US strikes were aimed at restoring peace and improving security, particularly for communities affected by terrorist violence, including Christians.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Moore said President Donald Trump’s actions were not intended to destabilise Nigeria but to counter terrorism and protect civilians.
“President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria. He is bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death,” Moore wrote, adding that the US strikes carried out on Christmas Day, in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, had renewed hope among affected communities.
“The strikes against ISIS on Christmas, in coordination with the Nigerian government, have given hope to the Christians in Nigeria,” he stated.
While speaking during an interview on Fox News’ Mornings with Maria, Moore painted a grim picture of the violence in Nigeria, alleging that attacks on Christians had persisted for over a decade.
According to him, tens of thousands of Christians have been killed since 2009, with thousands reportedly losing their lives this year alone.
Moore said the scale of suffering was far worse than many realise, recounting encounters with families who had lost loved ones during attacks.
“Underground, it is more dire than you could imagine. I’ve seen this in person, meeting mothers who lost all their children, murdered right before them,” he said.
He also pointed out the humanitarian crisis in the Middle Belt, particularly Benue State, noting that hundreds of thousands of displaced persons are currently living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
“About 600,000 people in Benue State alone are living in IDP camps. This is a state of about six million people, nearly 90 per cent of whom are Christians,” Moore stated.
The lawmaker said the recent US military action had lifted morale not only among Christians but across communities affected by insurgency and extremist violence.
“This strike has given hope to Christians in Nigeria and to the wider population suffering under ISIS-Boko Haram and militant attacks, especially in the Middle Belt,” he said.
He stressed that the operation marked only the beginning of a broader effort, adding that more strikes were expected.
“This is just the first step. There is more to come, and it is being done in cooperation with the Nigerian government,” he added.
The comments followed confirmation by President Trump that US forces had carried out airstrikes against ISIS fighters operating in northwest Nigeria.
Announcing the operation on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the strikes targeted militants responsible for killing civilians, particularly Christians.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) later confirmed the operation, stating that the airstrikes were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities and resulted in the deaths of multiple ISIS fighters. AFRICOM noted that the operation took place in Sokoto State.
Similarly, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth acknowledged Nigeria’s cooperation in the operation and hinted at further military action.
The strikes reportedly triggered panic in some communities, including Jabo village in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where residents reported a loud explosion on Christmas night.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden blast caused widespread fear, with many residents initially believing their community was under attack.
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