USA Strikes Islamic Terrorists In Nigeria, Threatens More Aggressive Attacks

The United States President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out lethal airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) fighters operating in northwestern Nigeria, warning that further attacks would follow if the group continues killing Christians.

Trump made the disclosure on Thursday via his Truth Social account, claiming the operation was ordered directly by him and executed by what he referred to as the “Department of War.” According to him, the strikes targeted ISIS militants responsible for brutal attacks on Christian communities.

“Earlier tonight, under my authority as Commander-in-Chief, the United States carried out a decisive and devastating military operation against ISIS terrorists in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote. “These extremists have been mercilessly slaughtering innocent Christians at a scale not witnessed for generations.”

He added that he had previously cautioned the militants to halt the killings or face severe consequences. “They ignored that warning, and tonight, justice was delivered,” he said, praising the strikes as flawless and asserting that only the US military could conduct such an operation.

Trump further vowed that his administration would not tolerate the spread of radical Islamist terrorism, ending his message with a Christmas greeting and a warning that more militants would be eliminated if the violence continues.

In a related statement on X (formerly Twitter), US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s cooperation. He stated that the president had been unequivocal about ending the killing of Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere, adding that ISIS encountered US military force on Christmas Day.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the mission, revealing that multiple ISIS fighters were killed during airstrikes carried out on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State. The command said the operation was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities and under direct presidential authorization.

The military action followed a deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, a day earlier. The suspected suicide attack killed five people and left several others injured.

Nigeria has long faced violent insurgencies from extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to reports by The New York Post.

Trump had earlier threatened to withdraw US financial assistance to Nigeria and launch direct military action if the Nigerian government failed to curb attacks against Christians. In a November 1 post, he disclosed that he had already directed the War Department to prepare for possible operations against terrorist elements in the country.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration recently recalled more than two dozen ambassadors appointed under former President Joe Biden, including the US envoy to Nigeria and several others serving in Africa.

Since assuming office in January, Trump has authorized US military operations in several regions, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, as well as parts of the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific.