DESTABILISING NIGERIA WILL STRENGTHEN TERRORISTS - US LAWMAKER

DESTABILISING NIGERIA WILL STRENGTHEN TERRORISTS, US LAWMAKER WARNS

A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has warned that efforts to destabilise Nigeria or encourage separatist agendas could worsen insecurity and embolden terrorist groups, placing more citizens at risk across the country and the wider region.

Moore issued the warning in a statement shared via his official social media account following a fact-finding visit to Nigeria, where he said he engaged extensively with government officials, religious leaders, humanitarian organisations and internally displaced persons.

According to him, the visit was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into security challenges and concerns surrounding religious violence, particularly in the North and the Middle Belt.

“I travelled to Nigeria and held multiple high-level engagements with government officials, church leaders, aid groups and displaced persons to better understand the security situation and challenges faced by communities,” Moore said.

The US lawmaker noted that discussions during his visit did not include any serious advocacy for the division of the country, warning that such narratives could have dangerous consequences.

“In my engagements, the idea of dividing Nigeria did not come up in any serious way. Attempts to embolden separatist movements would further harm vulnerable communities, especially in the North and Middle Belt,” he stated.

Moore cautioned that a weakened or destabilised Nigeria could create opportunities for extremist groups to expand their operations.

“A destabilised Nigeria would empower terrorists and make communities less safe, not only within the country but across the African continent,” he added.

He also highlighted recent security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as a positive step towards addressing ongoing violence and strengthening bilateral relations.

“The United States and Nigeria have entered into a security cooperation agreement, which is an important step in tackling violence and deepening collaboration between both nations,” Moore said.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at reducing insecurity and protecting civilians affected by terrorism, stressing the importance of stability and unity in addressing the country’s challenges.

Moore also confirmed that he held discussions with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang during his visit, where both parties explored ways to strengthen cooperation in addressing insecurity, particularly in affected regions.