President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that the Department of War had executed strikes against ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The announcement marked a significant escalation in US involvement in West African security affairs.
The military operation followed Trump’s warnings from October and November when he described the situation as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide” against Nigerian Christians. The president had threatened military intervention if violence persisted, warnings that have now been translated into action conducted on Christmas Day.
Trump detailed that the strikes specifically targeted militants engaged in the vicious killing of primarily innocent Christians. He praised the Department of War’s execution of “numerous perfect strikes,” emphasizing that only American military forces possess such capabilities. The president reaffirmed his zero-tolerance approach to radical Islamic terrorism.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two nations. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to address militant groups operating in the region. Nigerian officials stressed that terrorist violence against any religious community represents an affront to the country’s fundamental values.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its support and cooperation, indicating that additional strikes could follow. He referenced Trump’s clear warnings about protecting Christians and noted that ISIS had received that message on Christmas. The Pentagon released video documentation showing missiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also maintained that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that the country is committed to working with the US while ensuring religious tolerance and freedom.