The comments follow President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States carried out multiple air strikes on Islamic State (ISIS)‑linked militants in northwest Nigeria, with the aim of targeting fighters accused of killing primarily Christians and other innocent civilians. (Trump made the disclosure on his 𝕏 platform on Christmas Day.)
In a post on his own 𝕏 account, Moore praised the decision and urged stronger action to curb ongoing extremist violence in Nigeria.
He said the Sokoto operation reflects a renewed commitment by the US to support Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts but warned that more decisive measures could follow if the crisis persists.
“President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end,” Moore wrote, characterising last week’s strikes as a significant first step toward addressing entrenched insecurity across the country.
Moore emphasised that the airstrike, conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities, should serve as a catalyst for further action, not the final response.
According to him, continued violence — whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities — requires sustained and coordinated efforts to restore stability.
He also underlined that the United States will not underestimate the severity of the security situation, adding: “As I stated at the outset: do not test President Trump’s resolve in this matter.”
Moore’s statement reflects growing concern among some US lawmakers and security analysts who have highlighted prolonged insurgent activity in northern and central Nigeria, including attacks by Boko Haram, ISIS‑linked factions, and other armed groups that have displaced thousands and disrupted local communities over many years.
The Congressman reiterated that the Sokoto air strike was intended to show solidarity with Nigeria’s efforts to protect its people and that further actions could be necessary unless there are clear improvements in security outcomes.
His remarks also come amid debate at the international level about the role of foreign partners in supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy — a topic that has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders, civil society groups, and religious figures within the country.
While some praise the US intervention as timely support against violent extremists, others have cautioned that external military action must be balanced with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and should complement, not replace, domestic security initiatives.
The Nigerian government has confirmed it was informed ahead of the airstrike and framed the operation as part of a broader security cooperation framework with international allies, aimed at defeating terrorism and increasing stability in the region.
As of this report, there have been no official figures released regarding civilian casualties from the Sokoto airstrike, and details about potential future operations remain limited.
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