A United States lawmaker, Rep. Riley Moore, has said that more American airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Nigeria are likely to take place, dismissing fears that the recent operation could escalate into a broader conflict.
Moore insisted that the US strikes were aimed at restoring peace and strengthening security, particularly for communities suffering from terrorist attacks, including Christian populations.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Moore said President Donald Trump’s actions were not meant to destabilise Nigeria but to combat terrorism and protect 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, noting that the US strikes carried out on Christmas Day, in partnership 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 stated.
Speaking during an interview on Fox News’ Mornings with Maria, Moore described the situation in Nigeria as deeply troubling, alleging that attacks on Christians had continued for more than a decade.
According to him, tens of thousands of Christians have been killed since 2009, with thousands said to have lost their lives this year alone.
Moore said the level of suffering was far worse than many people realise, recalling encounters with families who had witnessed devastating losses during violent attacks.
“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.
He also highlighted the humanitarian situation in the Middle Belt, particularly in Benue State, stating that hundreds of thousands of displaced persons are currently living in internally displaced persons 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,” Moore stated.
The congressman said the recent US operation had boosted morale not only among Christians but across communities affected by insurgency and extremist attacks.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that the mission marked only the beginning of a wider effort, adding that further strikes were expected.
“This is just the first step. There is more to come, and it is being done in cooperation with the Nigerian government,” he added.
His comments followed confirmation by President Trump that US forces had carried out airstrikes against ISIS fighters operating in northwest Nigeria.
Announcing the mission 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. AFRICOM noted that the mission took place in Sokoto State.
In addition, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth acknowledged Nigeria’s role in the operation and suggested that further military action could follow.
The strikes were said to have triggered fear in some communities, including Jabo village in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where residents reported hearing a loud explosion on Christmas night.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden blast caused widespread panic, with many residents initially believing that their community was under attack.
