The Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly intensified attacks on Christian communities in North-East Nigeria, with a new incident involving the burning of a Christian village in Adamawa State.
A security analyst, Brant Philip, disclosed the development on Thursday, citing visual material released by the terrorist group.
What Was Reported
According to Philip, ISWAP circulated images showing a Christian settlement in Adamawa State on fire, accompanied by a statement threatening Christians across Nigeria.
In the message attributed to the group, ISWAP reportedly declared that Christians are “legitimate targets”, adding that individuals could “spare their blood” only by converting to Islam or paying jizyah, a tax historically imposed by extremist groups on non-Muslims.
Philip wrote on X:
“ISWAP released an image of one of the Christian villages in Adamawa State burning, alongside a statement saying that all Christians in Nigeria are legitimate targets, and they have an opportunity to ‘spare their blood’ by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax to ISWAP.”
Possible Retaliation
Security observers believe the attack may be retaliatory, following recent joint air operations by Nigerian forces and the United States military against terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State.
Five days earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out airstrikes targeting terrorists in Sokoto, an operation later acknowledged by Nigerian authorities as coordinated.
Heightened Security Concerns
The reported attack has raised renewed concerns about the safety of vulnerable communities in the North-East, particularly in border and rural areas of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States, where ISWAP and related groups remain active.
As of the time of filing this report:
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Nigerian security agencies have not issued an official statement on the Adamawa incident.
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Casualty figures, if any, have not been independently confirmed.
This remains a developing security situation, and further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
