He insisted that the recent U.S. military strikes had brought hope and renewed security to vulnerable communities in Nigeria, particularly Christians.
A United States Congressman, Rep Riley Moore, has dismissed claims that President Donald Trump’s military action against terrorists in Nigeria will lead to war, adding that more airstrikes are still expected.
He insisted that the recent U.S. military strikes had brought hope and renewed security to vulnerable communities in Nigeria, particularly Christians.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, December 29, 2025, Moore said, “President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria, he's bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to the thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death.”
He added, “The strikes against ISIS on Christmas, in coordination with the Nigerian government, have given hope to the Christians in Nigeria.”
Moore also spoke on the issue during an interview on Fox News’ Mornings with Maria, where he painted a grim picture of violence against Christians in Nigeria.
According to him, "Christians have been getting slaughtered in Nigeria since 2009, estimating between 50,000 and 125,000.”
He further claimed, "Christians killed this year alone are 7,000.”
President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria, he's bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to the thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death.
The strikes against ISIS on Christmas, in coordination with the Nigerian government, have given hope to the… pic.twitter.com/EDearqWmoq
— Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) December 29, 2025
Describing what he said he witnessed firsthand, Moore stated, Underground, it is more dire than you could imagine, seeing this in person, meeting mothers who have lost all of their children, just murdered in front of them.”
He also highlighted the scale of displacement in the country, noting that 600,000 alone, just in Benue State, are living in IDP refugee camps, adding that Benue is “a state of six million people, and nearly 90% of that state are Christians.
"600,000 alone just in Benue State are living in IDP refugee camps. a state of six million people, and nesrly 90% of that state are Christians,” Moore said.
Moore said the recent military action had boosted morale not only among Christians but across affected regions of Nigeria.
"This strike has given hope to the Christian population in Nigeria, but also the people of Nigeria who have been under the ISIS-Boko Haram, and most importantly in the Middle Belt region, where we have Fulani Islamic militants who have been driving Christians out of their ancestral homes,” he said.
He emphasised that the operation was only the beginning, stating, "This is just a first step. There are many more to come. And it was in coordination and cooperation with the Nigerian government.”
The comments come as Trump had confirmed that American forces carried out a military attack against ISIS fighters operating in northwest Nigeria.
Announcing the operation on his Truth Social platform on Thursday evening, Trump said, “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria.”
Trump claimed the targeted fighters had “targeted and viciously” killed “primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!”
He added, “I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the operation in a post on X, stating that the airstrike was carried out “at the request of Nigerian authorities” and had killed “multiple ISIS terrorists.”
In a related post, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote, “Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” while also warning of “more to come,” without providing further details.
AFRICOM, in a separate statement, said the strike occurred in “Sokoto state,” an apparent reference to Nigeria’s Sokoto State.
The US military action came weeks after Trump said he had ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following claims of Christian persecution in the country.
Residents of Jabo village in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State were thrown into panic on Christmas night after a loud explosion rocked the community, raising fears of a possible attack.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred suddenly on Thursday night, when an object suspected to be an explosive allegedly fell into the village, triggering a frightening sound that sent residents scrambling for safety.
Confirming the incident, a resident said the unexpected occurrence caused widespread fear, with many villagers initially believing they were under attack.