The United States has conducted air strikes against ISIS-affiliated militants in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day. According to Trump, the operation targeted fighters accused of attacking mainly Christian communities in the region.
Trump shared the update on Truth Social, saying the strikes were launched “at my direction as Commander in Chief.” He added:
“Tonight, at my direction… the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians…”
He further warned:
“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
Trump also praised the US military and sent a provocative Christmas greeting:
“May God Bless our Military. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
According to US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the strikes were conducted in Sokoto State, near the Niger border, in cooperation with Nigerian authorities.
The operation targeted militant camps and infrastructure, reportedly killing multiple ISIS fighters.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it received advance notice of the strikes, noting that the action was part of ongoing security cooperation with international partners, including the United States.
The ministry emphasized that the strikes were precision hits on terrorist targets, not a unilateral intervention.
The air strikes followed weeks of escalating warnings from the US administration, which had expressed concerns over a surge in attacks on Christians in northern Nigeria.
Earlier this year, Nigeria was reportedly placed on a watch list due to growing security challenges affecting religious communities.
While Trump framed the operation as a defense of persecuted populations, Nigerian officials stressed that violent extremism affects all citizens, both Christian and Muslim, and counter-terrorism efforts must aim to protect everyone.
At the time of reporting, there were no confirmed civilian casualties, and neither the US nor Nigerian government has released full details of the operation’s scale or specific targets.
US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have hinted at possible follow-up actions, expressing appreciation to the Nigerian government for its cooperation in combating terrorism.
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