United States Congressman Riley Moore has warned that Christians in Nigeria continue to face severe violence, calling for renewed efforts to protect religious communities one year after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Moore made the remarks in a post on X while reflecting on the anniversary of the designation, which places Nigeria under increased scrutiny by Washington over religious freedom concerns.
“Christians in Nigeria, and around the world, continue to face unspeakable violence,” the lawmaker said, urging stakeholders to strengthen efforts to defend Christians facing persecution.
The congressman defended Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria, crediting the US President, Republican members of the House Appropriations Committee and faith-based organizations with helping to sustain pressure for action.
According to Moore, efforts to attach conditions to American assistance to Nigeria and demand stronger protection for Christian communities have begun to yield results.
He also claimed that Nigeria experienced a Christmas without a massacre of Christians in recent memory, while acknowledging that significant challenges remain.
Moore further said the Nigerian government had shown signs of willingness to address violence against Christians, expressing hope that continued engagement would lead to further progress.
Nigeria was redesignated a Country of Particular Concern in November 2025, following renewed concerns in the United States about attacks affecting Christian communities, particularly in parts of the North-East and Middle Belt.
The designation allows the US government to consider policy responses, including diplomatic pressure and possible restrictions on assistance, over serious religious freedom violations.
However, the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected the claim that the country’s security crisis should be characterized solely as religious persecution. It maintains that terrorism, banditry and communal violence affect both Christians and Muslims.
The Federal Government has also pointed to ongoing security operations and engagements with American officials as part of its efforts to protect vulnerable communities and tackle insecurity.
Moore’s latest statement underscores the continuing disagreement between some US lawmakers and the Nigerian government over how the country’s violence should be understood and addressed.
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