By SUNTV Global Channel | March 6, 2026
U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has raised alarm over the ongoing attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria, urging the administration of President Bola Tinubu to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Moore highlighted that Christians in Nigeria “continue to be explicitly targeted for their faith,” pointing fingers at the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) for carrying out deadly assaults on Christian populations. “ISIS-West Africa is slaughtering Christians and demanding that others convert or die,” Moore wrote on his X account.
The lawmaker revealed that the situation has already been reported to the U.S. government, noting that further American assistance could hinge on Nigeria’s response to the violence. “In our report to the White House, we made it clear that increased American support is contingent on the Nigerian government doing more to defend Christians,” he said.
Moore’s comments followed a report by security advisor Brant Philip, detailing a recent ISWAP attack in Kirshinga, northeast Nigeria, where 27 Christians were killed and 10 homes burned. ISWAP reportedly demanded that Nigerian Christians either pay the jizyah tax, convert to Islam, or face death, describing it as a “fair deal.”
The U.S. lawmaker also noted that former President Donald Trump had designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” due to escalating religious persecution and insecurity. Moore led the investigation into the crisis and submitted a report to the White House, which is currently under review.
“While violence in Nigeria affects all faiths, Christians bear the overwhelming brunt, suffering in silence for decades,” Moore said. He further alleged that Fulani militias and terrorist groups frequently target pastors, priests, schools, and churches, often striking on holy days.
Moore called on Abuja to demonstrate stronger political will, allocate resources to protect Christians, and implement preventive security measures. He suggested that U.S.-Nigeria bilateral agreements include:
- Co-funding humanitarian programs prioritizing Christians in the Middle Belt
- Establishing early-warning systems for attacks
- Deploying armed security forces to deter violence
- Removing Fulani militias from confiscated farmlands and enabling displaced communities to return home
“President Trump’s decisive stance created a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen U.S.-Nigeria relations while confronting this crisis head-on,” Moore concluded, urging immediate action from the Tinubu administration.
