United States Congressman Riley Moore has raised concerns over threats against Christians in Nigeria, describing them as religious persecution linked to statements from an Islamic State–affiliated group.
Moore wrote on X on Thursday night that there should be no doubt that attacks on Christian communities are faith-based.
“If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate. This isn’t about land disputes, climate issues, or other arguments—this is persecution of our brothers and sisters for their faith in Christ, plain and simple,” he said.
Moore’s comments came in response to viral posts showing an image of a Christian village in Adamawa State set on fire, allegedly released by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The posts reportedly included a message stating that all Christians in Nigeria are legitimate targets, but they could “spare their blood” by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax.
“ISIS is telling Christians they have a chance to ‘spare their blood’ if they convert. Our brothers and sisters will not bend the knee to anyone but our Lord and Savior,” Moore added.
He also highlighted US cooperation with Nigerian authorities: “Thankfully, @POTUS continues to work with the Nigerian government to stop these Islamic radicals and protect our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Last week, US President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes against terrorist groups in parts of Nigeria. He tweeted that the operation targeted ISIS militants in Northwest Nigeria who have been attacking Christians at unprecedented levels.
While Trump did not specify locations, the US Africa Command later confirmed that strikes were conducted in Sokoto State.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the airstrikes, stating that the country maintains structured security cooperation with international partners, including the US, to combat terrorism and violent extremism. According to a statement signed by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, the operation targeted terrorist staging grounds in coordination with the US government.
The strikes focused on two major IS terrorist enclaves in the Bauni Forest area of Tangaza Local Government, Sokoto State, which intelligence identified as assembly points for foreign ISIS elements entering Nigeria from the Sahel.
The operation, conducted between 12:12 am and 1:30 am on December 26, used 16 GPS-guided munitions launched via MQ-9 Reaper drones from the Gulf of Guinea. Debris fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara States, but officials confirmed there were no civilian casualties.
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