A United States Congressman, Rep. Riley Moore, has indicated that further American airstrikes against terrorist camps in Nigeria are likely, dismissing concerns that the recent military action could escalate into a wider conflict.
Moore said the US strikes were intended to restore peace and improve security, particularly for communities affected by terrorist violence, including Christians.
In a post on his X handle on Monday, Moore stressed that President Donald Trump’s actions were not aimed at destabilising Nigeria but at countering terrorism and protecting 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.
He added 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 said.
During an interview on Fox News’ Mornings with Maria, Moore highlighted the ongoing violence in Nigeria, alleging that attacks on Christians have persisted for over a decade.
According to him, tens of thousands of Christians have been killed since 2009, with thousands more reportedly losing their lives this year alone.
“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, recounting encounters with families affected by attacks.
Moore also drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Middle Belt, particularly Benue State, where 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,” he said.
The lawmaker added that the recent US military action had lifted morale not only among Christians but also 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,” Moore said.
He emphasised that the operation was only the beginning of a broader effort, with further strikes expected.
“This is just the first step. There is more to come, and it is being done in cooperation with the Nigerian government,” he said.
The comments followed confirmation by President Trump that US forces had carried out airstrikes against ISIS fighters 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 in Sokoto State.