United States Congressman Riley M. Moore has dismissed claims that the United States supports any plan to divide Nigeria, cautioning that separatist movements would only worsen insecurity and expose Christian communities to greater danger.
Moore made the clarification in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account following his recent visit to Nigeria, where he met with government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations and internally displaced persons across different parts of the country.
According to the lawmaker, the visit was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the security challenges in Nigeria, particularly the persecution of Christians.
“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,” he said.
Moore stressed that discussions about breaking up Nigeria never featured during his engagements, noting that such ideas lack serious consideration among stakeholders he interacted with.
“In my discussions, the idea of dividing the country has not come up in any serious way,” he stated, warning that “efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria, especially in the North and Middle Belt.”
He further cautioned that undermining Nigeria’s unity would have far-reaching security implications, not only 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,” Moore warned.
The congressman reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for victims of terrorism and insecurity across Nigeria, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
“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.
Moore also linked his remarks to ongoing security collaboration between the United States and Nigeria, describing the recently signed security cooperation agreement between both countries as a significant milestone.
“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,” he added.
US Congressman Denies Backing Nigeria’s Breakup, Warns Against Separatist Agitations
