US President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that the Department of War had executed strikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president described as “terrorist scum” responsible for attacks on Christian populations. The operation fulfilled the president’s commitment to protect persecuted Christians.
The military action 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 explicit threats of military intervention if violence persisted, warnings that materialized into strikes conducted on Christmas Day.
According to Trump’s statement, the Department of War executed multiple precision strikes against militants engaged in the vicious killing of primarily innocent Christians. He emphasized American military superiority and his administration’s zero-tolerance policy 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 planning to address terrorism and violent extremism. Nigerian officials stressed that their government opposes terrorist violence against all religious communities, whether Christian or Muslim.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and indicated that additional operations could follow. He referenced Trump’s previous clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon released video documentation showing missiles launching 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 the country is committed to working with the US while ensuring religious freedom.
