A member of the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has again warned the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government not to underestimate President Donald Trump’s determination to intervene in the ongoing killings of Christians across Nigeria. Speaking during an interview posted on Saturday, Congressman Moore said President Trump was “very serious” about ending what he described as the “slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria, stressing that the US government was already drawing up possible military and diplomatic options.
Mr Moore declared: “I have said this multiple times — do not test this president’s resolve. He is very serious about this.” His remarks followed a New York Times report titled “U.S. military draws up Nigeria plans with limited options to quell violence,” which revealed that the Pentagon was considering potential strategies to address the worsening insecurity in Nigeria but warned that American forces may have limited capacity to end the decades-long insurgency.
The Congressman urged the Nigerian government to take proactive steps by cooperating with the US on security matters rather than waiting for external pressure. He stated: “This is an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen and deepen their relationship with the United States. We could do some enhanced partnership capacity building with them to counter this terrorist threat that is spreading across their country.”
Mr Moore emphasised that this does not have to be punitive, saying: “I’m asking Nigeria — do the right thing here. Partner with the United States. Help us protect the Christians in your country, and we will help you. This doesn’t have to be all sticks; it can also be carrots.” However, he hinted that “kinetic military options” remained on the table if diplomatic engagements failed, warning that President Trump would not hesitate to act decisively.
