President Donald Trump disclosed on Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, focusing on militants the president described as “terrorist scum” attacking Christian populations. The announcement came on Christmas Day, carrying significant symbolic weight.
The strikes followed warnings Trump had issued in October and November when he characterized 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 commitment now fulfilled through military action.
Trump’s announcement detailed that the strikes targeted militants engaged in the systematic and vicious killing of innocent Christians. He praised the Department of War for executing “numerous perfect strikes” that showcased American military capabilities. The president reaffirmed his administration’s stance against radical Islamic terrorism.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at combating militant groups. Nigerian officials emphasized that terrorist violence against any religious community contradicts the nation’s fundamental values.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and support in conducting the strikes. He indicated that additional operations could follow, noting that ISIS had received Trump’s message on Christmas. The Pentagon released video footage showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also stressed that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that characterizations of religious intolerance do not reflect the country’s actual commitment to protecting citizens of all religious backgrounds.