U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has called for stronger American military support for Nigeria following a declaration by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) naming Christians as “legitimate targets.”
Moore said the group’s statement removes any lingering doubt about the nature of violence in Nigeria, stressing that the attacks are driven by religious extremism rather than land disputes or climate-related tensions.
“If there were any remaining debates about whether Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, this should put them to rest,” Moore said, accusing ISWAP of attempting to force religious conversions through terror.
ISWAP has intensified its campaign in northeastern Nigeria, reportedly burning villages, destroying churches and homes, and issuing threats that residents could “spare their blood” only by converting to Islam or paying the protection tax, known as jizyah. In at least one affected community, reports indicate that more than 100 homes were destroyed and significant loss of life recorded.
The congressman praised ongoing cooperation between the United States and the Nigerian government, highlighting recent U.S.-backed airstrikes on ISIS-linked camps aimed at degrading extremist operations and protecting civilians.
Moore emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian forces, noting that increased military assistance would be critical in countering ISWAP’s growing threat and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
