Ishtartv.com - premierchristian.news

Fri 09 Jan 2026, by Milton Dunleavy

Islamic State fighters in Nigeria have issued what amounts to a religious ultimatum to Christians, promising they could “spare their blood by converting to Islam".

This was during an attack on a village in Adamawa state, the day after Christmas, according to Newsweek’s translation of the group’s Al‑Naba newsletter.

The assault on the rural community of Timwai came against a backdrop of escalating militant violence that continues to devastate faith communities across northern and central Nigeria.

Jihadist organisations such as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram have carried out numerous deadly raids in recent years, often targeting predominantly Christian villages and farmers.

In its Al-Naba newsletter, ISWAP cited a security source saying Nigerian Christians are “a legitimate target for the mujahideen and have the opportunity to spare their blood by converting to Islam or paying the jizya to the Muslim Imam in the West Africa Province". 

The attack reportedly left homes burning and at least four Christians dead, though local authorities have not yet confirmed the casualties, according to Middle East Media Research Institute.

U.S. Representative Riley Moore condemned the attacks, posting on social media: “If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate.”

The Open Doors 2025 World Watch List ranked Nigeria among the worst places in the world for Christians, noting that jihadist activity has contributed to widespread killings, kidnappings, and displacement of believers.

The Nigerian government disputes that Christians are singled out.

Alkasim Abdulkadir, a senior aide to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Newsweek that terrorists in Nigeria" target anyone who stands in their way, Christian or Muslim".