US Lawmaker Denies Claims of Plan to Divide Nigeria
A United States lawmaker, Senator Riley Moore, has dismissed claims that the United States is considering any plan to divide Nigeria, amid growing concerns linked to insecurity and separatist agitations in parts of the country.
Moore addressed the issue on Saturday following reports suggesting that discussions about Nigeria’s possible division were raised during his recent visit to the country.
He described the claims as false and misleading.
Confirming that he was recently in Nigeria, the senator said he held several high-level meetings with government officials and other key stakeholders but stressed that none of the engagements involved talks about breaking up the country.
“At no point did the idea of dividing Nigeria come up in any serious way,” Moore said, noting that the subject was never part of any formal or informal discussions.
The US lawmaker warned that promoting separatist agendas would further destabilise Nigeria’s already fragile security situation, with severe consequences for vulnerable communities, particularly Christians in the North and Middle Belt regions.
“Efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria, especially in the North and Middle Belt,” he said, adding that instability would only strengthen terrorist groups operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Moore further cautioned that a destabilised Nigeria would pose broader risks to regional security, saying it would “embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian and security initiatives aimed at protecting lives across the country, stressing that his concern extends to all Nigerians affected by terrorism and violent extremism.
“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,” he said.
The senator also highlighted recent progress in bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States, revealing that both countries have entered into a new security cooperation agreement.
He described the agreement as a significant step toward tackling insecurity, noting that it would deepen collaboration, enhance intelligence sharing, and strengthen joint efforts to combat terrorism.
According to Moore, the partnership reflects a shared commitment by both nations to Nigeria’s stability, sovereignty, and long-term security.
