In Washington, Rep. Riley Moore (R-Va.) is advocating for a resolution to condemn the genocide against Christians in Nigeria, especially after President Trump suggested potentially deploying U.S. troops to combat Islamic extremists in the region.
Moore, a first-term congressman from West Virginia, plans to introduce these measures on Friday, emphasizing the urgent need to address the ongoing persecution of Nigerian Christians who are facing severe threats from Boko Haram militants.
“This is an issue that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s time to take action,” he shared with the Post.
He added, “I call on both Republicans and Democrats to unite in expressing that America won’t stay silent while our fellow Christians endure persecution and even martyrdom for their beliefs.”
Moore also expressed gratitude to President Trump for his leadership in defending persecuted Christians, urging that such actions could save thousands of lives and acknowledging Speaker Tom Cole’s involvement in this effort.
Human rights organizations report that over 7,000 Christians were killed in the first 220 days of 2025 in West Africa, which is the continent’s most populous and largest oil-producing nation.
The proposed resolution urges the U.S. government to exert all available diplomatic, economic, and security measures to influence the Nigerian government to ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons, particularly Christians, to their homes. It also calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws and the release of prisoners detained for their faith.
Additionally, the resolution suggests collaboration with international partners to provide humanitarian aid directly to victims through trusted NGOs and affirms America’s commitment to standing in solidarity with Christians facing persecution.
Moore hopes that this resolution will broaden support from faith-based activists and advocates for human rights, reinforcing America’s role as a defender of religious freedom.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has already introduced legislation aimed at protecting Nigerian Christians by imposing sanctions on government officials who enable violence and enforce harsh blasphemy laws, which can include the death penalty.
According to a report by InterSociety, since an extremist group began its insurgency in 2009, more than 125,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria, alongside the destruction of around 19,000 churches.
The report highlights how Boko Haram has partnered with the Islamic State’s West Africa Province and Fulani militants, methodically targeting Christian communities through violence, destroy villages, and displacing millions.
These attacks are described not as random incidents but as systematic campaigns aimed at religious cleansing. This is evident from coordinated assaults on significant religious days in recent years.
In a letter shared on social media, President Trump stated, “If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S. may withdraw aid and intervene forcefully to eliminate the Islamic terrorists committing these atrocities.” He urged swift governmental action.
Under President Biden, Nigeria was taken off a list of “countries of special concern” for failing to protect religious freedoms. However, Trump’s administration has reinstated Nigeria on that list.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded, asserting that the government protects all citizens, emphasizing the nation’s diversity and commitment to religious tolerance.
