The United States military has carried out deadly airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants operating in North-West Nigeria, following direct orders from President Donald Trump.
President Trump confirmed the operation, describing the strikes as “powerful and deadly,” and said they were launched in response to continued attacks on Christians in the region.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the operation was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government and resulted in the killing of multiple ISIS fighters. While specific operational details were not disclosed, the strikes were confirmed to have taken place on Christmas Day.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump said he had earlier warned the terrorist group to halt attacks on Christians or face severe consequences.
“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 wrote. “May God bless our Military. Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the operation, stating in a post on X that American forces carried out a strike in Sokoto State that killed several ISIS operatives.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised the mission, commending the readiness of American forces and expressing appreciation for the cooperation of the Nigerian government.
The operation marks the first confirmed U.S. military strike in Nigeria under President Trump’s current administration. It follows months of strong rhetoric from the U.S. leader, who has repeatedly accused extremist groups in Nigeria of targeting Christians and described the situation as a major human rights concern.
While some observers have welcomed Washington’s intervention, others have cautioned against framing Nigeria’s security challenges solely along religious lines. Nigerian authorities and independent analysts have consistently maintained that the country’s insecurity is driven largely by terrorism, banditry, and criminal violence rather than religious persecution.
Nonetheless, the Trump administration has continued to spotlight what it describes as global persecution of Christians. Earlier this year, the United States reinstated Nigeria on its list of countries of “particular concern” for religious freedom and imposed visa-related restrictions as part of its response.
The latest strike underscores Washington’s renewed willingness to take direct military action in Nigeria in support of counterterrorism efforts and regional security.
