ISWAP to Christians - “Convert or Die”

ISWAP to Christians - “Convert or Die”

Summary: The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has escalated its campaign of terror against Christian communities in northeastern Nigeria, issuing ultimatums that residents must either convert to Islam, pay a religious tax, or face death. These threats, accompanied by violent attacks such as the burning of villages, have sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about religious persecution in the region.

The Attacks in Adamawa

In early January 2026, ISWAP militants set ablaze a Christian village in Adamawa State. The group released images of the destruction alongside a chilling statement declaring that all Christians in Nigeria are “legitimate targets.” According to security analyst Brant Philip, ISWAP insisted that Christians could “spare their blood” only by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax, a levy historically imposed on non-Muslims under extremist interpretations of Islamic law.

The attack is widely seen as retaliation for recent joint airstrikes carried out by Nigerian and United States forces against ISWAP enclaves in Sokoto State. The militants’ response underscores their intent to use religion as a weapon of war, targeting vulnerable communities to instill fear and assert dominance.

Religious Ultimatum and Ideological Distortion

ISWAP’s ultimatum, “convert or die”, is not only a violent threat but also a distortion of Islamic teachings. Prominent voices, including former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, have emphasized that Islam explicitly forbids coercion in matters of faith. Ahmad noted that the Qur’an states “there is no compulsion in religion,” and that historically Muslims coexisted peacefully with non-Muslims. He condemned ISWAP’s actions as terrorism masquerading under religion, stressing that their threats do not represent Islam or its values.

This ideological manipulation is a hallmark of extremist groups, who exploit religious identity to justify violence and recruit followers. By framing Christians as enemies, ISWAP seeks to deepen divisions and destabilize communities across Nigeria’s northeast.

Humanitarian and Security Implications

The burning of villages and forced conversion threats have left Christian communities traumatized and displaced. Survivors face not only the loss of homes and livelihoods but also the psychological burden of living under constant threat. Humanitarian agencies warn that such attacks exacerbate Nigeria’s already dire displacement crisis, with thousands forced into camps lacking adequate resources.

On the security front, the Nigerian military, supported by U.S. forces, has intensified counterterrorism operations. However, ISWAP’s ability to retaliate with coordinated violence demonstrates that the group remains resilient despite military pressure. Analysts argue that defeating ISWAP requires not only military action but also addressing the socio-economic vulnerabilities that allow extremist ideologies to take root.

Let’s Take A Break

The ISWAP ultimatum to Christians, “convert or die”, is a stark reminder of the group’s brutal tactics and its misuse of religion to justify violence. While military operations continue to weaken their strongholds, the broader struggle involves safeguarding religious freedom, protecting vulnerable communities, and countering extremist propaganda. The attacks in Adamawa highlight the urgent need for both national and international collaboration to ensure that Nigeria’s diverse religious communities can coexist in peace and security.