US Lawmaker Condemns ISWAP Threats, Says Christians in Nigeria Are Being Persecuted for Their Faith

A United States congressman, Rep. Riley M. Moore, has strongly condemned recent threats reportedly issued by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), warning Christians in parts of Nigeria to either convert to Islam or face violent consequences. His remarks have added an international dimension to growing concerns over insecurity and religiously motivated violence in the country.

In a statement shared publicly, Moore said the latest threat should put to rest any lingering arguments that attacks on Christians in Nigeria are driven primarily by non-religious factors such as land disputes, climate change, or economic pressures. According to him, the ultimatum allegedly issued by ISWAP makes clear that the violence is rooted in religious persecution.

“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.”

The lawmaker referenced reports that ISWAP militants have told Christians under their control that they could “spare their blood” by converting to Islam, a message that has triggered outrage among Christian groups both within Nigeria and abroad. Moore described the threat as barbaric and incompatible with basic human rights and religious freedom.

He praised the resilience of Nigerian Christians, stating that many would rather endure suffering than renounce their faith. “Our brothers and sisters will not bend the knee to anyone but our Lord and Savior,” he said, portraying their resistance as a testament to deeply held beliefs under extreme pressure.

Moore also expressed appreciation for what he described as ongoing cooperation between the United States government and Nigerian authorities to combat extremist groups operating in the country. He noted that the current US administration is working with Nigeria to counter Islamic radicalism and protect vulnerable religious communities.

“Thankfully, the President of the United States is continuing to work in cooperation with the Nigerian government to stop these Islamic radicals and defend our brothers and sisters in Christ,” Moore added.

His comments have sparked intense debate on Nigerian social media platforms and online forums, where reactions range from strong support to deep skepticism. Some users welcomed the attention from a US lawmaker, arguing that international pressure is necessary to force meaningful action against terrorist groups and protect Christian communities that have endured years of attacks, abductions, and forced displacement.

Others, however, expressed concern that the situation could be politicized or used to justify foreign intervention in Nigeria’s internal affairs. A number of commentators accused Western powers of selectively highlighting religious persecution to advance geopolitical interests, while downplaying the complex local factors that contribute to insecurity.

The controversy has also reignited discussions about the response of Muslim leaders in Nigeria. Some critics argue that prominent Islamic clerics and politicians have not spoken forcefully enough to publicly distance Islam from extremist violence. They contend that silence from respected figures allows terrorists to falsely cloak their actions in religious legitimacy.

On the other hand, several Muslims and interfaith advocates have reiterated that forced conversion and violence directly contradict Islamic teachings, stressing that extremism represents a distortion of religion rather than its true practice.

The debate underscores the deep polarization surrounding Nigeria’s security crisis, where terrorism, religion, politics, and foreign influence often intersect. While Moore’s statement has amplified international awareness of the plight of Nigerian Christians, it has also highlighted the risk of oversimplifying a complex conflict that affects people of multiple faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

As attacks by extremist groups continue to destabilize parts of northern Nigeria, calls are growing for a more comprehensive approach that combines security operations, community engagement, interfaith dialogue, and accountability for perpetrators. Whether international attention will translate into lasting improvements on the ground remains an open question, but the conversation sparked by Moore’s remarks has once again placed Nigeria’s security challenges under a global spotlight.