US President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The operation came after the president warned of an existential threat to Christian populations.
The military action followed Trump’s warnings from October and November when he characterized the situation as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide” against Nigerian Christians. The president had made clear that continued violence would provoke American military intervention, a commitment now realized through strikes conducted on Christmas Day.
In his statement, Trump emphasized that the Department of War executed precision strikes against militants engaged in the systematic killing of innocent Christians. He highlighted American military capabilities and his administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward radical Islamic terrorism.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the strikes as part of established security cooperation with the United States. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic planning to address militant groups operating in the region. Nigerian officials stressed that terrorist violence against any religious community contradicts the nation’s fundamental values.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and indicated that additional operations could follow. He referenced Trump’s clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon released video documentation showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also maintained that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that the country is committed to working with international partners while ensuring religious freedom.
