Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that American forces carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State militants in Northwestern Nigeria, warning that further attacks would follow if the killings of Christians continue.
Trump made the declaration on his Truth Social platform, stating that the Department of War executed multiple precise strikes. He wrote, “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS militants in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for years.”
The former president added that he had previously warned the terrorists that continued attacks on Christians would not go unanswered, emphasizing that the United States under his leadership would not allow radical Islamic terrorism to thrive. He concluded his post with Christmas greetings, noting that there would be further action if the violence persisted.
In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s cooperation and support. He noted that the Department of War is “always ready” and confirmed that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
U.S. Africa Command also confirmed via social media that the operation targeted ISIS militants in Sokoto State, killing multiple terrorists. “At the direction of the President and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” the post read.
The strikes come a day after a bomb exploded at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killing five people and injuring dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide attack.
Nigeria has long been affected by violence from multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, according to The New York Post.
Last month, Trump warned he would cut U.S. aid and take aggressive action if Nigeria failed to curb attacks against Christians. He previously instructed the War Department to prepare for possible military action against militants in the country.
Since taking office in January, Trump’s administration has conducted military operations in several regions, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Caribbean Sea, and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
