WASHINGTON (FN) — A U.S. lawmaker has endorsed President Donald Trump’s assertion that Christians in Nigeria face systematic violence, pledging to deliver a detailed report on the alleged killings in the coming days.
Rep. Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, said his office has been compiling evidence of targeted attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria’s northern and central regions. He described the situation as “deeply troubling” and called for immediate attention from U.S. policymakers.
Moore’s remarks follow Trump’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act. The designation allows the U.S. government to consider sanctions or other diplomatic measures in response to religious persecution.
The Nigerian government has rejected Trump’s claims, insisting that violence in the country affects all religious and ethnic groups. Officials in Abuja accused the U.S. of mischaracterizing complex security challenges and warned against foreign interference.
Moore said the forthcoming report would include testimonies from survivors, satellite imagery of destroyed villages, and data from humanitarian organizations operating in Nigeria. He emphasized that the findings would be presented directly to Trump and relevant congressional committees.
International reaction to Trump’s stance has been mixed. The European Union and African Union have urged restraint, while China expressed concern over potential destabilization in West Africa. Human rights groups have called for independent investigations before any foreign intervention.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reportedly drafted contingency plans ranging from intelligence support to potential airstrikes, though no military action has been authorized. Defense officials stressed that any operation would require further review and coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Nigeria’s Senate has begun consultations with the executive branch to formulate a diplomatic response. Lawmakers have called for transparency and engagement with international partners to counter what they describe as “misleading narratives.”
Moore defended Trump’s approach, arguing that religious freedom is a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. He said the report aims to clarify the scope of the violence and guide future decisions on aid, sanctions, or security cooperation.
The report is expected to be released within the week. Its findings could shape U.S.-Nigeria relations and influence broader debates on religious persecution and foreign intervention in Africa.
