A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has warned that encouraging separatist agendas in Nigeria could worsen insecurity and expose Christians to greater danger across the country and the wider African continent.

Moore made the remarks in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, following a fact-finding visit to Nigeria to assess claims of Christian persecution.

The US lawmaker said he held extensive engagements with Nigerian government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations and internally displaced persons during the visit, particularly in the North and Middle Belt regions.

“I have travelled to Nigeria and engaged in multiple high-level meetings with Nigerian officials, the Church, aid groups across the country, and IDPs, to get a better understanding of the rampant persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” Moore said.

According to him, discussions around the division of Nigeria did not feature prominently during his engagements, warning that such narratives could be harmful.

“In my discussions, the idea of dividing the country has not come up in any serious way. Efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria, especially in the North and Middle Belt,” he said.

Moore cautioned that destabilising Africa’s most populous nation could embolden terrorist groups and deepen insecurity.

“A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent,” he added.

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

“The US and Nigeria have just entered into a security cooperation agreement, and that is an important step in tackling the violence in Nigeria and deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship between our great nations,” Moore said.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Nigerians affected by terrorism, stressing that his concern extended beyond religious lines.

“I remain committed to working to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for that matter, all Nigerians, suffering from the instability wrought by terrorists throughout Nigeria. God bless you all,” he stated.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Moore met with the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, during the visit, where discussions centred on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Moore described the meeting with the governor as “substantive and forward-looking,” reiterating his resolve to work with the Nigerian government to tackle insecurity and protect vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.