A United States congressman, Riley Moore, has defended President Donald Trump, stating that the recent US airstrikes in Nigeria were intended to bring peace and security, not war, to the country.
Rep. Moore, in a post via X on Monday, said the strikes against ISIS on Christmas Day were intended to protect thousands of Christians facing severe violence and threats to their lives.
He added that the joint operation has given hope to Christians in Nigeria.
“President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria; he’s bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to the thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death.
“The strikes against ISIS on Christmas, in coordination with the Nigerian government, have given hope to the Christians in Nigeria,” Moore said.
The US military operation, announced by Trump on Truth Social, involved precision strikes on ISIS camps in Sokoto State, resulting in multiple terrorist casualties, according to US Africa Command.
The federal government confirmed the joint effort, describing it as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.
However, critics raised concerns that it could endanger Nigerian sovereignty and civilian lives.
Moore countered these criticisms, arguing that the action was necessary to halt attacks on Christians, stating that Trump had previously warned about the “slaughter” of Christians.
The strikes follow Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious violence and the alleged persecution of Christians in the country.