- Trump announced that the United States conducted “powerful and deadly” airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025, on the grounds that it would protect Christians facing violent attacks.
- The operation, carried out by Africa Command, reportedly used precision strikes using Tomahawk missiles and targeted armed camps in Sokoto state.
- While Trump framed the operation as a response to religious persecution, both AFRICOM and the Nigerian government confirmed that the attack was coordinated with Nigerian authorities amid increased diplomatic pressure and security cooperation. U.S. officials said further action may be taken.
President Donald Trump announced on Christmas night that he was authorizing “powerful and deadly” airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, as the U.S. military involvement in West Africa escalates dramatically.
The president described the strike, which took place on December 25, 2025, as a direct response to the ongoing persecution and “massacre” of the Christian population in the region.
‘Hell to Pay’ Warning
Trump revealed on his Truth social platform that the operation was in fulfillment of an ultimatum he had previously issued to terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander-in-Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against the scum of the Islamic State terrorists in northwestern Nigeria who have primarily targeted and viciously murdered innocent Christians… I have warned these terrorists before that they would pay a heavy price if they did not stop slaughtering Christians, and tonight, they paid the price.”
execution of strike
According to reports, the operation, carried out by the Department of War (Pentagon) and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), involved precision strikes targeting militant camps in Sokoto state, including the launch of Tomahawk missiles from US Navy ships.
“The Department of War has executed countless flawless strikes that only the United States is capable of. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to flourish. May God bless our troops and a Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, who will die many more if they continue to slaughter Christians.”
Coordination with the Nigerian Government
While Trump’s rhetoric focused on religious persecution, AFRICOM and Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed the attacks were coordinated with local authorities.
The Nigerian government described the operation as a “precision strike against terrorist targets” following structured security cooperation. This comes after weeks of diplomatic friction during which Trump redesignated Nigeria as “Special attention to the country” And threatened to withdraw aid if the security situation does not improve.
regional impact
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegers echoed the president’s stance, thanking Nigeria for its cooperation while suggesting this may not be a one-off incident. “There’s more to come” He posted on X.
