The United States carried out Christmas Day airstrikes against Islamic State terrorists in northwest Nigeria. The operation followed a warning from President Donald Trump that continued attacks against Christians would trigger direct military action.
Trump announced the strikes Thursday night in a statement posted on Truth Social. He said the action targeted ISIS militants responsible for widespread killings of Christians in northern Nigeria.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, 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, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! 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.”
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
The statement was signed by Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America.
According to U.S. Africa Command, American forces conducted the strike at the request of Nigerian authorities. The operation took place in Sokoto State. Initial assessments indicate multiple ISIS fighters were killed and terrorist camps were hit.
U.S. officials said the strike was coordinated in advance with the Nigerian government. The cooperation was part of ongoing security and intelligence-sharing efforts between the two countries.
The U.S. military later released unclassified footage showing a missile launch from a naval vessel. Pentagon officials confirmed that Nigeria approved the strikes. They said American and Nigerian forces worked closely on intelligence and targeting.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump had been clear that the killing of Christians must stop. He warned that further military action could follow. Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation and support.
Nigeria has faced years of violence from multiple armed groups. These include Boko Haram, Islamic State of West Africa Province, and Fulani-linked militias. The groups carry out frequent killings, kidnappings, and raids. Many attacks target Christian communities, though moderate Muslims are also victims.
Nigerian officials confirmed the strike as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States. Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry said the airstrikes were approved by the government. The ministry said the operation focused on precision strikes against terrorist targets in the northwest.
In a Christmas message, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called for peace between religious communities. He said his government is committed to protecting Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence.
The airstrikes came one day after a bombing at a mosque in the northeastern city of Maiduguri. The attack killed five people and injured dozens. Officials said the incident highlights the broader instability facing the country.
Human rights groups estimate that thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria this year. Trump concluded his Christmas Day message by praising the U.S. military. He repeated his warning that further attacks on Christians would be met with force.