Airstrikes
US Lawmaker Predicts More Military Action
A leading United States congressman, Riley Moore, has said that more U.S. airstrikes are likely to take place against terrorist hideouts in Nigeria. Moore made the comments after recent U.S.–backed airstrikes targeted extremist camps in the northwest part of Nigeria, especially around Sokoto State.
Context of Recent Strikes
The U.S. military actions follow a series of coordinated counterterrorism operations with the Nigerian government. In late December, U.S. forces carried out strikes against Islamic State-linked militants and other extremist groups in northwest Nigeria. Officials described the attacks as aimed at disrupting plans by these groups to launch violent attacks, particularly around the Christmas period.
What Riley Moore Has Said
Riley Moore has emphasized that the recent airstrikes are only the beginning of a broader effort to weaken terrorist networks. He described the operations as bringing “hope” to communities suffering from prolonged violence and said they were intended to boost security, especially for vulnerable populations. Moore also stressed that the strikes are being carried out in cooperation with Nigeria’s government, rather than unilaterally.
Reasons Behind Continued Strikes
Moore explained that extremist violence in Nigeria has been severe and long-running, particularly with groups linked to ISIS and Boko Haram committing attacks against civilians. He noted that many communities, including Christians and other groups, have faced repeated threats and violence, and further strikes are aimed at breaking these cycles of terror.
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Joint Effort with Nigerian Authorities
The U.S. airstrikes came after Nigeria’s government provided intelligence and approval for the operations. Nigerian officials have highlighted that these coordinated strikes show strong security cooperation and a shared commitment to combating terrorism.
What This Means for Nigeria
If additional airstrikes occur as Moore predicts, it would mark a sustained phase of international military support in Nigeria’s long battle against extremist violence. While supporters believe this may help reduce attacks, some analysts caution that long-term peace will depend on broader strategies and governance reforms.
Final Thought
Riley Moore’s statements underline a growing role for U.S.–Nigeria cooperation in fighting terrorism. While airstrikes can weaken violent groups and protect civilians in the short term, lasting peace will require broad security efforts, strong governance, and community support. Continued collaboration between Nigeria and its partners may be key to ending cycles of violence and restoring safety for affected regions.