By peterside Rejoice
United States President, Donald Trump, has confirmed that American forces carried out what he described as “numerous deadly and precise airstrikes” against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists operating in northwestern Nigeria, with a warning that more attacks would follow if the killings of Christians persist.
Trump made the disclosure on Thursday via his social media platform, Truth Social, where he said the strikes were conducted at his directive as Commander-in-Chief of the US Armed Forces.
According to him, the operations targeted ISIS militants who have allegedly been responsible for repeated attacks and killings, particularly of Christian communities in the region.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote. “They have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years.”
He added that the US Department of War executed what he termed “numerous perfect strikes,” stressing that his administration would not allow radical Islamic terrorism to flourish.
Trump further warned that the US would intensify military action should the violence continue, saying there would be “many more” terrorists eliminated if attacks on Christians did not stop.
In a related development, US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, confirmed the operation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the strikes were carried out with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian government.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end,” Hegseth said. “The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.”
Similarly, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that it conducted airstrikes against ISIS elements in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria,” the statement read, adding that multiple terrorists were killed during the operation.
The development comes amid heightened security concerns in Nigeria following a suspected suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday, which reportedly left at least five people dead and dozens injured.
Nigeria has for years battled insurgency and terrorism, particularly in the North-East and parts of the North-West, with groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) responsible for widespread violence, abductions and destruction of communities.
Last month, President Trump had warned that the United States could withdraw aid to Nigeria and consider direct military action if stronger measures were not taken to curb attacks by Islamic extremists. He also disclosed that he had instructed the US military to prepare for possible operations against terrorist groups in the country.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has acknowledged the airstrikes, describing them as part of ongoing intelligence and security cooperation with international partners to combat terrorism.
Since assuming office in January, Trump has ordered or approved military strikes in several regions, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Syria and Iran, as part of what he described as a broader campaign against global terrorism
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