By 9jaeye 
U.S. Congressman Calls for MILITARY ACTION as ISWAP Declares Christians “Legitimate Targets” in Nigeria
Riley Moore calls for increased U.S. military action following fresh threats by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Specifically, the extremist group reportedly declared Christians in Nigeria “legitimate targets.” In response, the U.S. congressman reacted after extremist-linked materials surfaced online, which allegedly showed attacks on Christian communities and explicit religious threats in northeastern Nigeria. As a result, Moore argued that the situation reflects an escalation that requires stronger international attention and security action.
Moore said the statements confirmed deliberate religious persecution and demanded stronger American involvement to counter ISWAP’s growing brutality. While he acknowledged that existing security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria remains important, he stressed that, in its current form, it proves insufficient. Consequently, Moore warned that escalating extremist violence demands stronger and more coordinated action.
ISWAP Threats Heighten Alarm
ISWAP reportedly issued messages demanding conversion to Islam or payment of a Jizyah tax, warning of violent consequences for refusal. Images linked to the group allegedly showed burned Christian villages, which intensified concerns among religious leaders and international observers.
Moore described the threats as unmistakable evidence of faith-based targeting. He rejected narratives that frame the violence solely as communal conflict, saying ISWAP’s own words expose its ideological motives.
Call for Expanded U.S. Military Support
As Riley Moore calls for increased U.S. military action, he urged American authorities to expand intelligence operations, logistical assistance, and targeted counterterrorism efforts against ISWAP. He stressed that stronger military pressure could disrupt the group’s leadership and limit its ability to carry out coordinated attacks.
Moore acknowledged that the United States already supports Nigeria’s counterterrorism fight but insisted that rising threats require deeper engagement. He framed the issue as both a security concern and a matter of defending religious freedom.
Nigeria’s Security Challenge Remains
Nigeria continues to battle ISWAP and other insurgent groups across the northeast, where years of violence have displaced millions and devastated communities. While Nigerian officials often state that terrorists target civilians broadly, ISWAP’s recent messaging has reignited debate over religious persecution and protection of minority groups.
Security analysts say public statements from U.S. lawmakers can increase international pressure, though they do not constitute official U.S. government policy.
Growing International Attention
As Riley Moore calls for increased U.S. military action, attention now turns to whether Washington will expand its role in Nigeria’s fight against extremism. Observers warn that failure to strengthen counterterrorism efforts could embolden ISWAP and worsen instability across the Lake Chad region.
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