US Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over ISIS Threats in Nigeria

A United States congressman has raised serious concerns over renewed threats by the Islamic State (ISIS) and its affiliates in Nigeria, warning that Christian communities are increasingly being targeted in what he described as religious persecution.

According to reports by Punch, US lawmaker Riley Moore sounded the alarm following claims that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had issued threats against Christians in parts of the country, particularly in Adamawa State. The group allegedly released images of a burning Christian community alongside messages declaring Christians as legitimate targets unless they converted to Islam or paid the jizyah tax.

US Lawmaker Condemns Alleged Persecution

Reacting on social media platform X, Moore stated that the ongoing violence should end any debate about the motives behind attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria. He described the situation as a clear case of religious persecution rather than conflicts driven by land or climate issues.

“This isn’t about land usage or climate change. This is persecution of our brothers and sisters for their faith in Christ,” the congressman reportedly said, stressing that Christians in Nigeria were being deliberately targeted.

According to Punch, Moore further referenced online posts allegedly released by ISWAP, which claimed responsibility for attacks on Christian villages and issued threats demanding conversion or payment of religious taxes.

US Airstrikes and Nigeria’s Security Response

Akahi News gathered that Moore’s comments followed recent United States airstrikes against terrorist enclaves in Nigeria. The US government confirmed that the strikes targeted Islamic State elements operating in parts of the North-West, particularly in Sokoto State.

Former US President Donald Trump reportedly authorised the operation, stating that the strikes were aimed at protecting civilians, especially Christian communities, from extremist violence. According to official statements, the operation involved precision airstrikes carried out in coordination with Nigerian security authorities.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed the development, noting that the action was part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

Nigerian Government Confirms Joint Operation

In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government said the airstrikes targeted terrorist staging grounds in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

The ministry disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the presence of foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region. It added that the operation, conducted between 12:12am and 1:30am on December 26, involved the deployment of precision-guided munitions from MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Authorities also confirmed that while debris from the strikes landed in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, no civilian casualties were recorded.

Growing International Concern

Security analysts say the renewed attention from US lawmakers underscores rising international concern over the expansion of ISIS-linked groups in West Africa. Observers warn that continued instability could have far-reaching regional implications if not decisively addressed.

Akahi News learnt that Nigeria’s security agencies are intensifying collaboration with international partners to disrupt extremist networks and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.

As pressure mounts, analysts argue that sustained global cooperation, intelligence sharing, and community-focused security strategies will be crucial in addressing the root causes of extremism across the region.

Akahi News www.akahinews.org