U.S. Lawmaker Backs Nigeria's State Police for Security

U.S. Congressman Riley Moore, representing West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, expressed support for Nigeria's proposed state police system, which aims to protect persecuted Christians and tackle insecurity across the country.

His remarks followed the Nigerian Senate's approval of legislation to establish state-level police forces. Moore, a Republican lawmaker, has been vocal about religious persecution and insecurity in Nigeria, advocating for reforms to strengthen local security structures.

He noted that the proposed law would empower states to protect their citizens and reduce reliance on federal authorities in Abuja. Moore has raised concerns about attacks on Christian communities, particularly in the North Central region, and has called for greater U.S. diplomatic focus on protecting religious freedom in Nigeria.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pushing the constitutional amendment process forward, which requires ratification by two-thirds of the states. The amendment seeks to allow states to create and manage their police forces alongside federal security agencies.