The Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), a violent extremist group operating in northern Nigeria, has reportedly burned down a Christian village in Adamawa State and threatened residents with death unless they convert to Islam or pay a tax known as jizyah, according to videos and statements released by the group on social media.
The attack is part of a growing pattern of violence by militant groups in northeast Nigeria, where Christians and other civilians have suffered multiple attacks on their homes, churches, and communities in recent years.
On Thursday, videos shared online by ISWAP showed images of a Christian village in flames in Adamawa State. In the footage, the group claimed credit for the burning and issued a chilling message: Christians in Nigeria are “legitimate targets” and must choose either to convert to Islam or pay the jizyah tax to “spare their blood.”
The jizyah is a tax historically demanded by some extremist groups from non-Muslims living under their control. In this case, ISWAP said Christians could avoid violence by agreeing to one of the two conditions.
The attack on the Christian village came shortly after a series of joint airstrikes by the Nigerian military and the United States against suspected extremist bases in Nigeria’s northwest. According to recent reports, U.S.-backed strikes took place in Sokoto State targeting camps linked to the Islamic State network. Nigerian and American leaders say the operations aimed to disrupt extremist fighters planning attacks.
Although the strikes were in Sokoto, far from the northeast, analysts believe the militant response in Adamawa may be retaliation. Some observers say groups like ISWAP spread their operations across different states to demonstrate strength and punish security actions against them.
ISWAP is an offshoot of the larger Boko Haram insurgency that took shape in northeastern Nigeria more than a decade ago. In 2015, Boko Haram split into factions. One of these pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, becoming ISWAP. Since that time, ISWAP has grown into one of the deadliest armed groups in the region, with thousands of fighters and control of parts of territory around the Lake Chad area.
The group has carried out many types of attacks, including bombings, kidnappings, village raids, and targeted killings. In the past, ISWAP has attacked military positions, government targets, and communities that reject their ideology.
Christian communities in northern and northeastern Nigeria have faced repeated attacks over the past decade. Militant groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have been responsible for murders, kidnappings, and the burning of houses and churches. Many Christian families have been forced to flee their homes to escape death and destruction.
In some communities, residents describe living under constant fear, with churches and homes destroyed by extremists. Reports say hundreds of Christians have been killed and many more displaced in these attacks.
The ISWAP attack in Adamawa adds to this long list of violent incidents. It also fuels concern that militant groups are increasingly using threats of forced conversion alongside physical violence to push families from their lands.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly vowed to protect all citizens and defeat militants. In recent months, the Nigerian military has stepped up operations in parts of the northwest and northeast of the country. Cooperation with international partners, including the United States, has seen an uptick in airstrikes and intelligence missions aimed at extremist camps.
Despite these efforts, security remains a major challenge for the nation. Extremist groups continue to exploit large areas with weak government control, especially in rural communities far from major cities.
Government officials say that while actions against violent groups will continue, these operations aim to protect all Nigerians regardless of religion. They warn that extremist propaganda and terror tactics are designed to divide communities and spread fear.
For families affected by the attack in Adamawa, the immediate impact is loss of homes and livelihoods. Villagers who escaped the fire often have nowhere to return and fear further attacks. Many displaced people seek refuge in nearby towns or with relatives in safer areas.
Community leaders and local churches have called on government authorities to provide protection and support for those who lost their property and to ensure that citizens can live without fear of forced religious change.
Religious leaders across Nigeria have condemned the attack. They appealed to the federal and state governments to strengthen security, promote community harmony, and protect vulnerable populations.