A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has raised alarm over what he described as targeted religious persecution of Christians in Nigeria, following reports of fresh threats issued by Islamic State-linked militants.
In a post on X late Thursday, Moore reacted to viral claims that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) released an image of a Christian village in Adamawa State set ablaze, accompanied by a statement declaring Christians across Nigeria “legitimate targets.”
“If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate,” Moore 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.”
According to the posts he cited, ISWAP warned that Christians could “spare their blood” only by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax — a levy historically imposed on non-Muslims under extremist interpretations of Islamic rule.
“ISIS is telling Christians they have an opportunity to ‘spare their blood’ if they convert,” Moore added. “Our brothers and sisters will not bend the knee to anyone but our Lord and Savior though.”
The specific ISWAP statement has circulated widely on social media but has not yet been independently verified by authorities. However, it comes against the backdrop of years of attacks by jihadist and armed groups across northern Nigeria, where churches, schools and rural communities have repeatedly been targeted.
Moore also welcomed growing security cooperation between Washington and Abuja, referencing recent joint military operations.
“Thankfully, @POTUS is continuing to work in cooperation with the Nigerian government to stop these Islamic radicals and defend our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he wrote.
Last week, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had carried out airstrikes against terrorist groups in Nigeria. US Africa Command later confirmed the strikes took place in Sokoto State and were aimed at Islamic State-linked militants operating near Nigeria’s northwestern border.
Nigerian officials have framed the operation as a major boost to ongoing counterterrorism efforts. But the latest reported ISWAP threats, and Moore’s intervention, underscore persistent fears among Christian communities and highlight how insecurity in northern Nigeria continues to carry a sharp religious dimension in the eyes of many observers.
