A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has raised concerns over alleged threats by the Islamic State West Africa Province against Christian communities in Nigeria, describing the situation as targeted religious persecution.
Moore, who represents West Virginia in the US Congress, made the remarks on Thursday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), reacting to reports circulating online that an ISIS-affiliated group issued threats against Christians in parts of Nigeria.
According to the reports, ISWAP allegedly released an image showing a Christian village in Adamawa State in flames, alongside a message declaring Christians in Nigeria as legitimate targets unless they convert to Islam or pay a jizyah tax.
Reacting, Moore said the ongoing debate about the motives behind attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria should come to an end.
“If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate,” he wrote.
“This isn’t about land usage, climate change, or any other argument the Left wants to make. This is persecution of our brothers and sisters for their faith in Christ, plain and simple.”
The congressman further condemned the reported ultimatum issued by the terror group, describing it as an attempt to force religious submission.
“ISIS is telling Christians they have an opportunity to ‘spare their blood’ if they convert. Our brothers and sisters will not bend the knee to anyone but our Lord and Saviour,” Moore stated.
Moore also referenced recent security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, noting that Washington continues to support Abuja in combating terrorism.
“Thankfully, the President of the United States is continuing to work in cooperation with the Nigerian government to stop these Islamic radicals and defend our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he added.
His comments came days after US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria. In a statement, Trump said the strikes were aimed at ISIS elements responsible for attacks on civilians, particularly Christians.
Although Trump did not initially disclose the exact locations of the operation, the United States Africa Command later confirmed that the airstrikes took place in parts of Sokoto State.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently acknowledged the strikes, stating that the operation was conducted as part of ongoing security collaboration between Nigeria and its international partners, including the United States.
In a separate statement, the Federal Government explained that the airstrikes targeted terrorist staging grounds within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
According to the government, intelligence reports indicated that the locations were being used by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region. The operation reportedly involved the deployment of GPS-guided munitions using unmanned aerial platforms.
Authorities added that although debris from the strikes fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, no civilian casualties were recorded.
