The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reacted angrily to former United States President Donald Trump’s reported threat to launch military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump had recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and directed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for possible intervention.
A counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed in a post on his X handle that ISWAP issued a propaganda statement through its regular communication channels in response to Trump’s remarks.
In the message, the group reportedly described Trump as a “reckless American tyrant” allegedly driven by “evangelical Christian and Jewish advisers.”
According to Makama, ISWAP accused the former U.S. president of attempting to portray America as the “global defender of Christians,” adding that the statement was laced with renewed hostility toward Western nations.
The group also cautioned its members against using smartphones and attending public gatherings, warning them to limit movements to avoid surveillance.
ISWAP further urged Muslims across West Africa to unite in anticipation of what it called “Western aggression,” accusing the United States and its allies of “crimes against African Muslims.”