ISWAP issues alert to militants following Trump’s threat

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reacted to remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump about potential U.S. military action against terrorist groups in Nigeria, warning its members to prepare for possible attacks.

In a propaganda statement distributed through its regular communication channels, ISWAP condemned Trump, describing him as a “reckless American tyrant” allegedly influenced by “evangelical Christian and Jewish advisers.”

The group accused the former president of trying to portray the United States as a “global defender of Christians.”

ISWAP claimed that such statements reflect a wider American agenda to intervene militarily in various conflict zones across Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, where militant violence has intensified in recent years.

The extremist organization also argued that renewed U.S. involvement in regions such as Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Afghanistan, and the Lake Chad Basin would overstretch Washington’s military capabilities—something it described as part of the Islamic State’s global strategy.

In anticipation of possible airstrikes or intelligence operations, ISWAP ordered its fighters to avoid large gatherings, restrict movement, and minimize smartphone use to evade drone surveillance. The directive was reportedly extended to other Islamic State affiliates across Africa and the Middle East.

The group also urged Muslims in West Africa to remain vigilant and “unite” in response to what it called Western aggression against African Muslims.