Riley M. Moore, a member of the United States House of Representatives, has warned that any attempt to promote separatism in Nigeria would worsen insecurity and further endanger Christians, particularly in the North and Middle Belt regions.
Moore, who recently visited Nigeria, said he held extensive high-level engagements with government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country to better understand the scale of violence and persecution facing Christian communities.
According to him, discussions during the visit did not include any serious consideration of dividing the country, stressing that such ideas would only embolden terrorists and deepen instability.
“Efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria—especially in the North and Middle Belt,” Moore said, adding that a destabilised Nigeria would make Christians and other vulnerable groups less safe, not only within the country but across the African continent.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the protection of Christians and all Nigerians affected by insecurity, noting that terrorism remains the primary driver of violence nationwide.
Moore also welcomed the recently signed security cooperation agreement between the United States and Nigeria, describing it as a critical step toward addressing insecurity and strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
He said the agreement would enhance collaboration in tackling terrorism and contribute to restoring stability in Nigeria, which he described as vital to regional and continental security.
