US lawmaker warns against Nigeria’s break-up, says Christians will suffer most

By Goli Innocent

United States Congressman Riley M. Moore has dismissed claims that Washington supports any attempt to break up Nigeria, warning that separatist agitations would deepen insecurity and expose Christian communities to greater danger.

Moore spoke in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account following a visit to Nigeria, during which he met with government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations, and internally displaced persons across different parts of the country.

“I have travelled to Nigeria and engaged in multiple high-level meetings with Nigerian officials, the Church, aid groups across the country, and IDPs, to get a better understanding of the rampant persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” the US lawmaker said.

He stressed that at no point during his engagements was the idea of Nigeria’s break-up discussed in any serious manner, describing such narratives as misleading and dangerous.

“In my discussions, the idea of dividing the country has not come up in any serious way,” Moore said, adding that “efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria, especially in the North and Middle Belt.”

The congressman warned that any weakening of Nigeria’s unity would have far-reaching security implications, not just for the country but for the wider African continent.

“A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent,” he noted.

Moore also reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for victims of terrorism and insecurity, regardless of religious affiliation, saying the humanitarian toll of violence in Nigeria remains a major concern.

“I remain committed to working to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ and, for that matter, all Nigerians suffering from the instability wrought by terrorists throughout Nigeria,” he said.

He linked his position to ongoing security cooperation between Abuja and Washington, describing the recently signed security cooperation agreement between both countries as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“The US and Nigeria have just entered into a security cooperation agreement, and that is an important step in tackling the violence in Nigeria and deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship between our great nations,” Moore added.

His remarks come amid renewed debates around separatist movements and insecurity in Nigeria, with analysts warning that calls for disintegration could further complicate efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.