Nigeria Will Remain United’ – US Congressman Moore Speaks Amid Tensions

A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has denied claims that the US intends to divide Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Saturday, Moore emphasized that in all his engagements with Nigerian government officials, the notion of splitting the country was never raised.

He stressed, “The idea of dividing the country has not come up in any serious way.” Moore further warned that efforts to empower separatist movements could endanger Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.

“A destabilized Nigeria would embolden terrorists and put Christians at greater risk, not only within Nigeria but across the continent,” he said.

Moore added, “I remain committed to protecting the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ and, more broadly, all Nigerians affected by terrorist activities. The recent US-Nigeria security cooperation agreement is a vital step toward tackling violence and strengthening the bilateral relationship between our nations.”

Meanwhile, retired Major General Ijioma N. Ijioma, a former Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters, cautioned Nigerians not to expect US troops to engage bandits directly on the battlefield following their deployment to Nigeria.

In an interview with Vanguard, the retired general criticized Nigerian leaders for lacking the political will to decisively confront terrorism, insisting that Nigerian forces alone are ultimately responsible for defeating insurgents.

He remarked, “If the Federal Government had handled the 1967 Biafran insurgency with the same ‘kid gloves’ approach used against today’s bandits and Boko Haram, there would likely have been a Biafra Republic by now.”

Gen. Ijioma called on Nigerians to demand explanations from their leaders regarding the leniency shown toward terrorists, noting, “The United States does not risk its soldiers’ lives without reason. Citizens should ask what agreements or compensations exist between Nigeria and the US.”

He pointed out that insurgents remain emboldened even after recent US airstrikes, arguing that decisive action by Nigerian authorities could crush the insurgency.

“The involvement of the United States—through air operations or collaboration—should not have been necessary if Nigeria had the political will to tackle insurgency. Our own aircraft could have carried out the strikes in Sokoto and Kwara; there’s no location within Nigeria beyond their reach,” Gen. Ijioma said.

He contrasted this with the swift deployment of Nigerian fighter jets to Benin Republic to quell an attempted coup, highlighting the lack of similar urgency against domestic bandits.

“Fighter jets and troops were sent to Benin Republic on the President’s orders. This clearly shows that what we lack is political will. US troops will not fight Nigeria’s war on the ground—they will only provide training, intelligence, and logistical support alongside our forces,” he emphasized.

Gen. Ijioma also recalled that US-Nigeria military collaboration is not new. During former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s first term, American military personnel occupied the entire third floor of the Defence Headquarters, mapping Nigerian barracks and equipment—a move strongly opposed by then-Chief of Army Staff, the late Gen. Victor Malu, ultimately leading to Malu’s removal.