President Donald Trump announced Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The Christmas Day timing underscored the religious significance of the protective military operation.
The strikes followed Trump’s characterization in October and November of violence against Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide.” The president had explicitly threatened military intervention if attacks continued, warnings that have now been backed by concrete military action.
Trump’s announcement detailed that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” against militants who had been systematically killing 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 prospering.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries. This collaboration involves 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.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude to Nigeria for enabling the strikes and suggested that more operations might follow. He noted that Trump had been clear about his intentions and that ISIS had learned this lesson on Christmas. The Pentagon released video footage showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also stressed that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths.