United States President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out what he described as deadly airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants operating in northwestern Nigeria, warning that further attacks would follow if the group continues killing Christians.
Trump made the declaration on Thursday via his Truth Social account, stating that the operation was authorised under his command and executed by the U.S. Department of War.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!” he wrote.
He added that the operation was a response to earlier warnings issued to the militants.
“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” Trump said.
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According to him, the military operation involved what he described as “numerous perfect strikes,” stressing that such action reflects the unique capability of the U.S. armed forces.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing,” he added.
Trump further declared that his administration would not tolerate extremist violence, saying, “Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.”
He concluded his message with a holiday note, adding, “May God bless our military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation and expressed appreciation for cooperation from Nigerian authorities.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote.
“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) also issued a statement confirming the strike, noting that multiple ISIS operatives were killed in Sokoto State.
“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 on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” the statement read.
The reported operation comes a day after a deadly explosion hit a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killing at least five people and injuring several others in what authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.
According to international reports, Nigeria has continued to face persistent attacks from armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Last month, Trump had warned that the United States could cut aid to Nigeria and take military action if stronger steps were not taken to curb attacks on Christians. In a previous Truth Social post dated November 1, he said he had instructed the Department of War to “prepare for possible action” against what he described as “terrorist thugs” operating in the country.
It was also recently reported that the Trump administration recalled over two dozen ambassadors appointed by former President Joe Biden, including envoys serving in Nigeria and other African nations.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has authorised military operations in several regions, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.