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United States Congressman Riley Moore has issued a strong warning to radical Islamic terrorists operating in Nigeria, stating that those responsible for targeting Christians will be hunted down and brought to justice. The Republican lawmaker credited President Donald Trump with directing a recent joint US-Nigerian operation that eliminated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command globally.
In an interview on NewsNation and a post on his X account, Congressman Moore emphasized President Trump’s personal commitment to defending Christian communities in Nigeria facing persecution.
“President Trump is laser focused on defending our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria against the slaughter and martyrdom they’ve faced at the hands of radical Islamic terrorists,” Moore stated. “The strike on Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS Number 2 globally, sends a clear message: those who target innocent Christians will be hunted down and brought to justice. Do not test President Trump’s resolve.”
The comments come amid heightened US engagement on religious persecution in Nigeria. Moore, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, revealed that President Trump personally tasked him with investigating the situation. He led a delegation to Nigeria and presented recommendations to the White House aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.
The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria confirmed the precision strike in the Lake Chad Basin, which also resulted in the deaths of over 20 ISIS fighters. Al-Minuki, a former Boko Haram leader linked to multiple high-profile attacks including the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping, had risen to a senior position in ISIS’s global hierarchy.
Congressman Moore noted that US involvement in counter-terrorism efforts in the region dates back over a decade and has intensified under the current administration, following the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
This latest development underscores the Trump administration’s firm stance against religious extremism and its commitment to international partnerships in combating terrorism while protecting at-risk communities.