RismadarVoice Reporters
November 2, 2026
United States Congressman Riley Moore has renewed calls for stronger protection of Christian communities in Nigeria, warning that violence against religious groups remains a serious concern despite efforts by Washington and Abuja to address insecurity.
Moore, a Republican representing West Virginia’s Second Congressional District, made the remarks in a post on X marking one year since President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom concerns.
The lawmaker defended Trump’s decision, arguing that the designation had helped draw international attention to attacks against Christian communities.
He also credited Republicans on the US House Appropriations Committee with linking American assistance to improved protections for Christians, alongside advocacy by religious organisations.
According to Moore, those interventions have begun producing results, although substantial security challenges remain.
He cited what he described as the first Christmas in recent memory without a massacre of Christians in Nigeria, while acknowledging that violence had not ended.
The congressman also suggested that the Nigerian government had demonstrated some willingness to address attacks against Christian communities.
However, his assessment of improvements in security and the absence of a Christmas massacre was not accompanied by comprehensive casualty figures or independent evidence establishing the nationwide situation. The Trump administration initially designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in December 2020; President Joe Biden was remthe designationBiden in 2021.
Trump announced Nigeria’s renewed designation on October 31, 2025, citing concerns about attacks on Christians and religious freedom.
The designation provides a framework under United States law for considering diplomatic engagement, sanctions and other measures concerning serious violations of religious freedom.
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected suggestions that the country’s security crisis exclusively targets Christians.
Federal authorities maintain that terrorism, banditry, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts have affected both Christian and Muslim communities, particularly across the North-East, North-West and Middle Belt.
The government has also emphasised its security cooperation with international partners and efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
Moore has previously opposed proposals to remove Nigeria from the CPC designation, citing deadly attacks in Plateau State and continuing threats to communities in the Middle Belt.
His latest comments reflect continuing congressional scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation and the effectiveness of measures intended to protect civilians.
The debate remains focused on accountability for attacks, protection of religious freedom and whether diplomatic and security interventions are producing measurable improvements for affected communities.
