More U.S. Airstrikes Planned on Terrorist Camps in Nigeria — Rep. Riley Moore

A United States Congressman, Rep. Riley Moore, has dismissed claims that President Donald Trump’s recent military action against terrorist groups in Nigeria could trigger a wider conflict, saying instead that more U.S. airstrikes are expected as part of efforts to restore security.

Moore said the strikes, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, have brought renewed hope to communities affected by terrorism, particularly Christian populations that have faced years of violence. In a post on X on Monday, December 29, 2025, he said President Trump was not seeking war in Nigeria but was working to bring peace and security to vulnerable communities.

According to Moore, the Christmas Day airstrikes against ISIS targets sent a strong signal of support to Nigerians living under the threat of extremist violence. He said the operation had boosted morale among Christians and other residents affected by insurgent activity across parts of the country.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News’ Mornings with Maria, Moore described what he called a long-running humanitarian crisis, claiming that tens of thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009. He also alleged that about 7,000 Christians were killed in the country this year alone.

Moore said he had witnessed the situation firsthand, describing encounters with families who had lost loved ones to violence. He also highlighted large-scale displacement, noting that about 600,000 people in Benue State are living in internally displaced persons camps. Benue State, he said, has a population of about six million, the majority of whom are Christians.

He added that the recent U.S. military action had offered hope not only to Christians but to wider communities affected by ISIS, Boko Haram, and Fulani militants, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Moore stressed that the strikes were only an initial step, saying more operations were planned in cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

The comments followed confirmation by President Trump that U.S. forces had carried out a military strike against ISIS fighters operating in northwest Nigeria. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the operation was ordered under his authority as Commander in Chief and targeted ISIS fighters responsible for killing innocent civilians, particularly Christians.

The United States Africa Command later confirmed the strike, stating that it was conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities and resulted in the deaths of multiple ISIS fighters. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also acknowledged Nigeria’s cooperation, warning that further action could follow.

AFRICOM said the strike took place in Sokoto State. The operation came weeks after Trump directed the Pentagon to begin planning possible military action in Nigeria amid concerns over religious persecution.