‘Convert to Islam or You Die,’ ISWAP Threatens
By Ekani Olikita
At least 32 Christians were killed in a wave of coordinated terrorist attacks across northern and central Nigeria, targeting Christian communities in Adamawa, Kebbi and Plateau states.
The assaults, which left hundreds displaced and scores of homes destroyed, occurred days after the United States reported an airstrike on hideouts of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sokoto State on Christmas Day https://youtu.be/9lt2rxgxrTY?si=EeEl_8946rS7Wjg2
The attacks were carried out by three groups lacking a central command – ISWAP, the Lakurawa terror group and armed Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM. They have intensified fears of a renewed campaign of religiously motivated violence against Christians.
ISWAP Attacks Christian Communities in Adamawa
In Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, ISWAP militants attacked three predominantly Christian communities—Higa, Mondag and Timboa—killing at least 15 people and burning more than 200 houses.
Convert to Islam, Face Death or Pay Tax: ISWAP
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, ISWAP fighters invaded Adamawa’s Higa village, torching about 50 homes. While no deaths were recorded in that specific attack, the terrorists issued a chilling ultimatum to residents: Convert to Islam or pay jizyah—an Islamic tax historically imposed on non-Muslims—or face death.
International security analyst Brant Philip disclosed that ISWAP released images of the burning village alongside a statement declaring all Christians in Nigeria “Legitimate Targets,” offering them the option to “spare their blood” through conversion or payment of the tax. Analysts believe the attacks were in retaliation to a reported U.S. airstrike on ISWAP-linked militants in Sokoto.
Earlier, on Monday, December 29, ISWAP militants raided Mondag village in Adamawa State, killing 11 Christians, destroying a church and burning more than 100 houses. The attackers reportedly looted property and referred to the victims as “hostile Christians,” a terminology previously used by Islamic State affiliates.
The first of the three Adamawa State attacks occurred on Friday, December 26, when ISWAP ambushed Timboa village, killing four Christians, burning 50 houses and destroying motorcycles. Five residents were reportedly abducted during the assault
Lakurawa Terrorists Kill At least Eight in Kebbi
In Kebbi State, Northwestern Nigeria, suspected Lakurawa (“the Recruits”) militants carried out coordinated attacks on Kaiwa, Gelawu and Gebbe villages in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State on December 31. Police confirmed that eight people were killed, though security analysts say the actual death toll may be significantly higher.
Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman said seven victims died during the attacks, while another later succumbed to injuries. He added that security forces had launched coordinated operations and intensified patrols in the affected areas.
However, counterterrorism expert Malik Samuel told TruthNigeria that at least 21 residents were killed during the attacks, nine of whom were reportedly slaughtered, with others shot.
Identity of Lakurawa Terrorists?
Lakurawa, an extremist group affiliated with the Islamic State Sahel Province, operates across Mali, Niger, and parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states. Originally formed as a self-defense group against banditry, it later became radicalized and was officially designated a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government in 2024. TruthNigeria identified it as a terrorist group in December 2024.
Fulani Militia Kill Nine Christians in Plateau
In Plateau State, central Nigeria, armed Fulani ethnic militia attacked the Christian community of Bum village in Chugwi, Vwang District of Jos South (county) Local Government Area, killing nine residents around 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. An eyewitness told TruthNigeria that she recognized one of the attackers as a Fulani herder who moved his cows occasionally through her village.
The attack occurred despite repeated warnings of imminent violence by Judd Saul, a U.S.-based filmmaker, evangelist and founder of Equipping the Persecuted. Residents were preparing to usher in the New Year when the assailants struck.
Victims were given mass burial on Friday, January 2, 2026, amid grief and outrage from bereaved families.
Solomon Dalyop, National President of the Berom Youth Molders Association, condemned the murders, saying that community leaders had raised security alerts days earlier but received no response.
“Our people were murdered just minutes before the New Year. We warned of these attacks, but nothing was done,” Solomon told Truthnigeria.
Judd Saul also confirmed that alerts were issued prior to the assault and announced that his organization had deployed funds to assist the wounded and cover medical expenses.
U.S. Congressman Condemns Attacks, Calls for Relentless Military Action against ISWAP
U.S. Congressman Riley Moore condemned the targeted killings in Adamawa and the broader persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on his X- official page on January 1, 2026, Moore said ISWAP’s declaration that Christians are “legitimate targets” removes any doubt about religious persecution.
“This isn’t about land disputes or climate change. This is persecution of Christians for their faith—plain and simple,” he said. Moore called for increased American military support for Nigeria to combat ISWAP and other Islamic extremist groups, while affirming continued cooperation between the U.S. and Nigerian governments.
The latest violence underscores growing concerns over the security of Christian communities across Nigeria, as extremist groups expand their operations and openly frame attacks in religious terms, leaving civilians vulnerable despite repeated warnings and appeals for protection.
Ekani Olikita is a conflict reporter with TruthNigeria.
