President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president described as “terrorist scum” responsible for attacks on Christian communities. The operation marks a significant escalation in US involvement in West African security.
The strikes came after Trump issued multiple warnings in October and November, during which he characterized the violence against Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide.” The president had made clear that continued attacks would provoke American military intervention, a commitment he has now honored with military action on Christmas Day.
Trump’s announcement emphasized that the strikes targeted militants who had been systematically killing innocent Christians in the region. He praised the Department of War for executing “numerous perfect strikes” that demonstrated American military superiority. The president reaffirmed his administration’s position that radical Islamic terrorism would not be allowed to prosper under his leadership.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the military action, stating it was conducted as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two nations. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at combating militant groups. Nigerian officials made clear that their government opposes terrorist violence against all religious communities, viewing such attacks as fundamentally opposed to the country’s values.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly thanked the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation in conducting the strikes. He noted that Trump had been clear about his intentions to end the killing of innocent Christians, and that ISIS had learned this lesson on Christmas. The Pentagon provided video documentation of the operation showing projectiles being launched from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that the country maintains its commitment to religious freedom for all citizens.