U.S. Representative Riley Moore of West Virginia has warned that calls for the breakup of Nigeria could strengthen terrorist groups and further endanger Christian communities, particularly in the country’s North and Middle Belt regions.
Moore issued the warning following a recent fact-finding visit to Nigeria, where he assessed security challenges and ongoing counterterrorism efforts. He cautioned that fragmentation of the country would create power vacuums that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and other Islamic State–linked militants could exploit. These groups have been responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians, many of them Christians, over the past decade.
The congressman highlighted a new U.S.-Nigeria security agreement aimed at improving joint counterterrorism operations. The pact builds on cooperation established in 2025, including a joint strike against ISIS-affiliated militants, and предусматривает the provision of military equipment, intelligence sharing, and enhanced operational coordination.
However, Moore’s comments drew criticism from separatist groups in Nigeria’s predominantly Christian Southeast, who argue that regional self-determination would enable local authorities to better protect their populations. They contend that decentralization or separation would improve security by allowing regions to directly manage their own defense and resources.
Proponents of national unity, meanwhile, welcomed Moore’s intervention, describing his remarks as a timely reminder of the risks associated with division amid persistent insecurity. They praised his emphasis on stability and international cooperation as Nigeria continues to grapple with violent extremism and communal violence.
The debate underscores ongoing tensions over Nigeria’s future structure, as security concerns, governance challenges, and regional grievances continue to fuel contrasting visions for the country’s path forward.
