United States Congressman Riley Moore has disclosed that he will soon brief the White House on possible options for protecting Christians in Nigeria. The lawmaker made this known on Tuesday through a post on the social media platform 𝕏 while reacting to comments by Bishop Robert Barron on the alleged killings of Christians in the country.
Moore thanked Bishop Barron for drawing attention to what he described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. He said the situation deserved serious consideration and assured that the issue would be formally presented to the White House.
In his post, the congressman acknowledged Barron’s remarks and said the concerns raised were valid. He stated that Nigerian Christians were facing persecution because of their faith and said this required urgent international attention.
Moore added that he would be briefing the White House in the near future. According to him, the purpose of the briefing would be to provide options on how the United States government could help protect Christians in Nigeria.
The US lawmaker also referenced recent legislative actions taken by the US House of Representatives. He noted that the recently passed Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill includes provisions aimed at protecting US security interests, upholding humanitarian values, and safeguarding religious freedom.
He further disclosed that the House Appropriations Committee would soon submit a detailed report to President Donald Trump on the situation in Nigeria. According to Moore, the report would focus on facts, oversight, and leadership in addressing the challenges facing the country.
Moore’s comments have added to ongoing international discussions about insecurity and religious violence in Nigeria. The issue of attacks on religious communities has remained a subject of concern among global human rights groups and foreign governments.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has also spoken on security-related issues involving the United States and Nigeria. He disclosed that a recent airstrike carried out by the United States military in Sokoto State was aimed at stopping the growing threat posed by a group known as Lakurawa.
General Musa made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise Television. He explained that the decision to act was based on the need to neutralise the group before it developed into a major insurgent threat.
According to the defence minister, Nigerian authorities are determined to confront emerging security threats early. He said this approach was necessary even as security forces continue to battle established groups such as Boko Haram and other armed factions.
Musa noted that Lakurawa should not be underestimated. He said the group is not small and warned that it has the potential to be as dangerous as Boko Haram if allowed to expand unchecked.
Addressing questions about whether the United States plans to carry out further airstrikes in Nigeria, the defence minister said there was no such arrangement. He stressed that the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is focused mainly on intelligence sharing.
According to him, the collaboration involves access to advanced satellite surveillance systems operated by the United States. He explained that these systems provide real-time intelligence that enables Nigerian forces to carry out precise military operations.
Musa added that the United States would only provide direct assistance in situations where threats are beyond Nigeria’s operational reach. He emphasized that Nigeria remains in control of its security operations.
The minister said the strategy is to prevent new threats from spreading and becoming more deeply entrenched. He explained that early intervention is key to preventing emerging groups from destabilising larger areas.
Musa also sought to reassure Nigerians about the country’s security outlook. He stated that efforts are being made to address both existing and emerging threats and expressed optimism about future improvements.
Responding to further questions on US involvement, Musa reiterated that there is no plan for additional American airstrikes. He said discussions between both countries are being handled holistically, with a focus on intelligence, coordination, and support rather than direct military action.
He explained that the idea is for Nigerian forces to act on the intelligence gathered. Where necessary, he said, external assistance would be sought only if a situation is beyond Nigeria’s immediate capacity.
The defence minister concluded by warning that Lakurawa’s spread is rapid and poses a serious danger. He said the goal of recent actions was to prevent the group from expanding and causing wider instability.
The statements from both the US congressman and Nigeria’s defence minister highlight growing international and domestic focus on security challenges in Nigeria. They also reflect ongoing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States on matters of security, intelligence, and religious freedom.
