President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The deliberate choice of Christmas Day for the operation carried significant symbolic meaning.
The strikes followed Trump’s warnings issued in October and November when he described violence against Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide.” The president had explicitly threatened military intervention if attacks persisted, warnings that have now been translated into concrete military action.
Trump’s announcement detailed that the Department of War executed precision strikes against militants engaged in the vicious killing of primarily innocent Christians. He emphasized that only the United States possesses such military capabilities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at combating militant groups. Nigerian officials made clear that terrorist violence against any religious community represents an affront to the country’s values.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and indicated that additional operations could follow. He referenced Trump’s previous warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon released video documentation showing missiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also stressed that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that the country is committed to working with international partners while ensuring religious freedom for all its citizens.