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US Congressman Riley Moore says Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith.
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Alarm follows reports linking ISWAP to threats and attacks on Christian communities in Adamawa.
- US–Nigeria security cooperation cited amid recent airstrikes on terrorist enclaves.
A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has raised concerns over alleged threats by Islamic State–affiliated fighters against Christian communities in Nigeria, describing the situation as clear religious persecution.
Moore, in a post on X late Thursday, said recent claims attributed to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) should put to rest arguments over the motives behind attacks on Christians in parts of Nigeria.
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“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, dismissing alternative explanations such as land disputes or climate-related pressures.
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The lawmaker was reacting to reports circulating online that ISWAP released images showing a Christian village in Adamawa State on fire, accompanied by a statement declaring Christians “legitimate targets.”
The reports further alleged that residents were warned to convert to Islam or pay the jizyah tax to avoid being killed.
Referencing the claims, Moore said extremists were attempting to coerce Christians to renounce their faith, adding that such actions amounted to persecution.
He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the United States and Nigeria in tackling terrorism, noting that Washington continues to support Abuja’s counterterrorism efforts.
The comments come days after US airstrikes targeted terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, an operation later confirmed by Nigerian authorities.
The Federal Government said the strikes, carried out in coordination with the United States, hit Islamic State staging grounds used by foreign fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel.
According to officials, the precision strikes caused no civilian casualties and were part of broader efforts to degrade terrorist networks operating in the North-West and North-East.
Nigerian authorities have reiterated their commitment to working with international partners to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable communities across the country.
