US President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that American forces had struck ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he called “terrorist scum” responsible for systematic attacks on Christian populations. The operation put ISIS militants under direct US military attack.
The strikes 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 vicious 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 coordination aimed at neutralizing militant groups. 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 suggested that more operations might follow. He referenced Trump’s previous clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon released video footage showing weaponry being deployed 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 characterizations of religious intolerance do not accurately represent the nation’s commitment to protecting all religious communities.