The United States military conducted strikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Thursday, according to President Donald Trump, who described the targets as “terrorist scum” responsible for systematic attacks on Christian communities. The operation marks a significant moment in US-Nigeria security relations.
Trump’s announcement fulfilled warnings he had issued months earlier when he characterized the situation facing Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide.” The president had specifically cautioned terrorist groups in October and November that failure to cease attacks on Christians would result in military consequences. Those consequences materialized on Christmas Day.
The president stated that the strikes targeted militants who had been deliberately killing innocent Christians in the region. Trump praised the Department of War for executing what he termed “perfect strikes” and reiterated his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from gaining strength. The symbolic timing on Christmas underscored the religious dimensions of the conflict.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged the strikes as part of established security cooperation between the two countries. The ministry explained that the partnership encompasses intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats. Nigerian officials stressed that their government stands against terrorism targeting any religious community, viewing such violence as fundamentally opposed to the nation’s values.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed appreciation for Nigerian cooperation and suggested that additional operations could follow, stating that “ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas.” The Pentagon provided video evidence of the strikes, which appeared to show missiles launching from a warship. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed, while cooperating with the operation, has maintained that Nigeria is committed to protecting all faiths and that claims of religious intolerance do not accurately represent the country’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom.