President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that he had authorized strikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, focusing on militants the president described as “terrorist scum” responsible for attacks on Christian communities. The operation showcased continued US commitment to combating terrorism globally.
The military action came after Trump issued multiple warnings in October and November, characterizing the situation facing Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide.” The president had made clear that continued violence would provoke American military intervention, a threat now realized through strikes conducted on Christmas Day.
Trump’s announcement detailed that the Department of War executed multiple precision strikes against militants engaged in the vicious killing of primarily innocent Christians. He emphasized American military superiority and his administration’s stance that radical Islamic terrorism would not be permitted to prosper. The choice of Christmas for the operation added symbolic weight to the military action.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the strikes as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries. The collaboration includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at neutralizing militant groups. Nigerian officials stressed that their government opposes terrorist violence against all religious communities, viewing such attacks as fundamentally inconsistent with national values.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s cooperation and support, indicating that additional operations could follow. He referenced Trump’s clear warnings about protecting Christians and noted that ISIS had received that message on Christmas. The Pentagon released video footage of the strikes showing projectiles being launched from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also maintained that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that the country is committed to working with the US while ensuring religious freedom for all its citizens.