Jesus People Podcast – Episode 55

Congressman Riley Moore on Nigeria’s Christian Genocide

January 20, 2026
Host: Ryan Miller
Guest: Congressman Riley Moore

Overview

This episode of the Jesus People Podcast spotlights the dire situation facing Christians in Nigeria, focusing on the ongoing violence, persecution, and what’s being called a “Christian Genocide.” Host Ryan Miller welcomes Congressman Riley Moore, a man of deep Christian faith appointed by Donald Trump to oversee and investigate the crisis. Their conversation covers the scale of persecution, U.S. and Nigerian government responses, and the critical role of faith, advocacy, and practical support from believers worldwide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Appointment and Mission

• Congressman Moore’s Involvement: Chosen by President Trump to oversee and report on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria after his passionate advocacy on the issue in Congress ([01:09]).
• Focus on Redesignation: Push to redesignate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a status removed by the Biden administration but restored after Moore’s and Trump’s intervention ([01:09]-[03:50]).
• Direct Experience: Moore’s recent visit to Nigeria, including Benue State in the Middle Belt, where Christian persecution is highly concentrated ([03:50]).

“I can tell you, as an undisputable fact, people are being murdered for their faith in Nigeria. That is an undisputable fact.”
— Congressman Riley Moore [04:19]

Nigeria's Government & International Cooperation

• Coordination on Attacks: Recent Christmas Day actions against militants were coordinated with the Nigerian government, aiming to build trust and showcase cooperative efforts ([05:56]).
• Challenges of Accountability: Despite public claims, there’s skepticism about the depth of Nigerian government involvement and their historic lack of action ([05:56]-[07:01]).
• Existential Threats & Disparities: While Muslims are attacked as well, Moore asserts the murder ratio is 5:1, with Christians disproportionately the victims ([07:01]).

"5 to 1, it is Christians versus non-Christians being murdered in that country. And that is a fact."
— Congressman Riley Moore [06:45]

The Roots and Funding of Violence

• External Funding: Terror groups receive funds and arms from outside Nigeria due to porous borders; much is classified but acknowledged as a significant factor ([07:11]-[07:48]).
• Resource Competition: Nigeria’s wealth and land create underlying motivations for violence, further complicating the situation ([07:48]-[08:18]).

Faith in the Face of Persecution

• Inspiring Nigerian Faith: Both Miller and Moore are deeply moved by the faith, forgiveness, and gratitude of Nigerian Christians amidst tragic losses and trauma ([08:18]-[10:16]).
• Lessons for the West: Nigerian Christians' strength, even after unimaginable suffering, challenges Western believers to reevaluate their own faith and priorities ([09:22]-[10:16]).

"These people are a true inspiration, and they're real warriors for the faith. And they're doing it as folks who are unarmed but unafraid and moving forward and still practicing their faith."
— Congressman Riley Moore [08:52]

Christians & Politics

• Engagement is Biblical: Moore challenges the notion that Christians shouldn’t get involved in politics, noting the foundation of American freedom is tied to Christian faith and that faith should inform public action ([10:16]-[12:02]).

"The separation of church and state is not in [the Constitution]… my faith is the formation of every decision that I make, every decision that I make... This is a Christian Nation."
— Congressman Riley Moore [10:16]

Voice & Advocacy Amidst Censorship

• Silencing of Leaders: Miller recounts the story of Nigerian pastor Ezekiel Do, targeted legally and digitally for speaking out on social media, emphasizing the essential need for Christians to use their voices globally ([12:02]-[15:29]).
• Scriptural Mandate: Call to remember Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25—caring for the persecuted is caring for Christ Himself ([13:20]).

What Can Christians Do?

• Speak Out: Use public platforms and conversations to inform others and keep the issue visible ([15:29]).
• Support On-Ground Organizations: While Moore cannot directly endorse, host recommends specific organizations like Global Christian Relief and Equipping the Persecuted, citing their practical impact rebuilding homes/churches, medical care, and trauma counseling ([16:52]).
• Don’t Hide Faith: Public proclamation and advocacy, not just private belief, is necessary ([15:49]).

"We need to go out and proclaim the good news. Right. And two, there are a lot of wonderful, wonderful Christian organizations who are working on the ground in Nigeria that do need help and support."
— Congressman Riley Moore [15:39]

The Fulani Crisis & Disarmament

• Nomadic Fulani Militants: While many Fulani are peaceful, radicalized elements heavily armed and attacking Christians for land access ([18:08]-[21:09]).
• Disarmament as a Solution: The U.S.-Nigeria agreement being negotiated includes the required disarmament of militant Fulani and a push to shift from grazing to ranching systems ([18:08]-[19:45]).

"The Fulani must be disarmed. That is part of the deal here."
— Congressman Riley Moore [18:37]

Disrupting Terrorist Funding

• Plans to Cut Off Flows: Moore acknowledges ongoing government efforts to trace and block the financial flows funding terrorism, while keeping operational details confidential ([22:00]-[22:49]).

Reflections and Prayer Points

• Salvation Through Suffering: Moore is inspired by the “salvation through suffering” exhibited by Nigerian Christians, connecting their endurance to the Beatitudes ([23:09]-[23:48]).
• Prayer Requests:
  • For the Nigerian government: openness and cooperation with U.S. and global partners ([24:22]).
  • For Nigerian Christians: strength, perseverance, and protection amidst ongoing suffering ([24:22]).
  • For the U.S. government: resolve and focus to stay committed to the issue ([25:14]-[25:39]).
• Personal Impact: Heartbreaking stories, such as siblings Nancy and Philemon, put human faces on the statistics, challenging listeners never to forget them and to act in their honor ([26:01]-[29:59]).

“Your story will not go untold… we will get to heaven one day and… Jesus will say, whatever you did for Nancy and Philemon, you did for me.”
— Ryan Miller [28:09]

Notable Quotes

• On the scope of violence:
  "People are being murdered for their faith in Nigeria. That is an undisputable fact." — Riley Moore [04:19]

• On Christian engagement:
  "We need to go out and proclaim the good news... my faith is the formation of every decision that I make." — Riley Moore [10:16]

• On the example of persecuted Christians:
  “They’re real warriors for the faith… doing it as folks who are unarmed but unafraid.” — Riley Moore [08:52]

• On prayer and advocacy:
  "The plea to the Christian in the west is to continue talking about this, to deal with practical needs... and to pray for our leaders." — Ryan Miller [29:15]

• On his own role:
  “All glory and honor goes to the Lord. I'm just an instrument in this...” — Riley Moore [29:59]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00-01:09 – Introduction and scope of Christian persecution
• 01:09-05:04 – Appointment of Moore, background on the crisis, U.S. engagement
• 05:56-07:01 – Nigerian government’s response and realities
• 07:11-08:18 – Sources of terrorist funding and arms
• 08:18-10:16 – Witnessing faith and resilience in Nigerian Christians
• 10:16-12:02 – Faith and politics: why engagement matters
• 13:20-15:29 – Speaking out, importance of advocacy, scriptural context
• 15:29-16:52 – What can be done: voice, support organizations, practical help
• 18:08-19:45 – Fulani crisis and policy solutions
• 22:00-22:49 – Terrorist funding and U.S. efforts to disrupt
• 23:09-25:39 – Lessons learned, prayer points
• 26:01-29:59 – Personal stories, the importance of advocacy
• 29:59-30:47 – Final reflections and closing

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a raw, faith-filled exploration of the horrors facing Nigerian Christians and the multifaceted response necessary from believers worldwide—prayer, advocacy, resource support, and engagement at both personal and political levels. Congressman Riley Moore’s detailed account and Ryan Miller’s personal witness form a compelling call to action for the global Church.