Nigeria Faces Scrutiny As US Lawmaker Accuses Government Of Neglecting Christian Massacres Despite Billions In Military Aid

 

A growing storm of criticism is emerging from Washington as American lawmaker Riley Moore has accused the Nigerian government of mismanaging billions of dollars in military assistance meant to bolster its fight against terrorism and religious violence. Moore, who leads a committee established under former President Donald Trump to investigate the persistent attacks on Christians in Nigeria, described the situation as a “forgotten genocide” that has gone on for far too long with little global attention.

Speaking during an interview with conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza, Moore expressed deep concern over what he called systemic neglect and inaction by Nigerian authorities despite years of military training, equipment supply, and intelligence cooperation from the United States. He lamented that the bloodshed, particularly targeting Christians in Northern and Middle Belt regions, continues largely unnoticed by the international community.

“My brothers and sisters in Christ are being murdered simply for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Moore declared, calling the silence surrounding the atrocities a moral failure by both Nigeria and global powers. The lawmaker warned that Nigeria’s inability to contain the violence could have devastating regional and global consequences if extremist groups take firmer control of territories.

Moore revealed that the United States has already invested billions of dollars in military hardware, logistical support, and counterterrorism training for Nigerian forces, yet the situation on the ground remains dire. He accused the Nigerian leadership of failing to prioritize the protection of Christians despite receiving extensive assistance to combat insurgency and sectarian violence.

“I think there is a potential for cooperation between both nations, but the Nigerian government must first show genuine commitment to protecting its Christian citizens,” he said. “Billions in aid and training have been provided, and yet the killings remain unresolved. The time for rhetoric is over.”

Expressing frustration at what he termed a deliberate global indifference, Moore insisted that the killings of Christians had been going on “under the radar” for too long. He called for decisive international action, saying that moral responsibility demands more than just diplomatic statements or expressions of concern.

“The pieces are already in place to deal with this crisis. If the world continues to look away, then we are abandoning the very values we claim to uphold as Christians and as defenders of human rights,” he added.

In his remarks, Moore hinted at possible US intervention if the Nigerian government continues to falter. He emphasized that the United States could be forced to act independently to prevent further atrocities should Nigeria fail to contain terrorist factions threatening Christian communities.

Earlier this week, Moore confirmed that he would soon present a detailed report to former President Donald Trump, praising him for his renewed attention to the crisis. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership in defending persecuted Christians in Nigeria. Your decisive action will save thousands of lives,” he said.

Trump himself reignited the issue during a recent address shared on his Truth Social platform. Declaring that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” he announced that Nigeria has again been designated a “Country of Particular Concern,” a classification reserved for nations where severe violations of religious freedom occur. He warned that continued inaction could prompt Washington to reconsider aid to Nigeria or even take direct military measures to protect Christians.

“Thousands of Christians are being killed, and radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote. “Something must be done. I have asked Congressman Riley Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to urgently investigate and report back.”

The Nigerian government has, however, rejected the genocide characterization. Officials insist that the country’s security challenges affect all ethnic and religious groups, arguing that the violence stems from terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes rather than targeted persecution.

Despite the denial, international human rights organizations continue to document repeated attacks on churches, kidnappings of clergy, and massacres in predominantly Christian communities across Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Northern regions. Many analysts say the government’s consistent failure to bring perpetrators to justice fuels suspicion of indifference or complicity.

With rising international attention and growing calls for accountability, pressure is mounting on Abuja to demonstrate transparency in its use of foreign military aid and to prioritize civilian protection. Moore’s comments, combined with Trump’s renewed focus, have reignited debate on whether Nigeria’s partners should reconsider security cooperation until measurable progress is made.

For now, the world watches as Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads — balancing its defense partnerships with Washington while facing the mounting moral and political cost of unaddressed religious killings that continue to scar its image on the global stage.