Riley Moore, a Republican representative from West Virginia, presented a comprehensive report to the White House on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The submission occurred amid growing concerns over religious violence in the African nation.
Background of the Investigation
President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in October 2025. Meanwhile Trump requested Moore and other lawmakers to lead an investigation. Moore visited Nigeria and witnessed the challenges firsthand.
He collaborated with Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, and others from the House Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees.
The investigation included consultations with religious leaders, meetings with internally displaced persons, and engagements with Nigerian officials. Findings revealed escalating attacks on Christians, with thousands killed in recent years.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The report detailed U.S. efforts to address the atrocities. It recommended sanctions, visa bans, and aid cuts to pressure Nigeria. Additionally, lawmakers introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 on February 10. This bill mandated the Secretary of State to compile reports identifying perpetrators and authorizing targeted sanctions.
Moore stated, “As part of the investigation President Trump asked me to lead, I visited Nigeria and witnessed firsthand the horrors our brothers and sisters in Christ face and saw the security challenges Nigeria faces.”
He added, “The Nigerian government’s blatant denial of the religious persecution occurring within its borders has only enabled the religious-based violence in the country to fester, with Christian deaths and church attacks reaching unprecedented numbers.”
Reactions and Next Steps
Smith supported the measures. He emphasized the need for accountability. However the report urged Congress to back tougher actions against extremists.
Lawmakers expressed hope that the White House would implement the recommendations swiftly. Meanwhile Nigerian Christians applauded the bill, though debates continued on identifying responsible groups.
In conclusion, the actions followed Moore’s earlier resolution in November 2025 condemning the persecution. Transitioning forward, periodic updates to Congress will monitor compliance.
Just presented our report on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria to the White House.
More to come. pic.twitter.com/j7rxBxtJo5— Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) February 23, 2026
