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Washington, D.C. — United States President Donald Trump has warned that further military action will be taken if Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists continue attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Trump disclosed that he personally authorised recent U.S. military strikes against ISIS elements operating in Nigeria’s North-West, describing the operation as decisive and highly successful.
“Powerful and deadly strikes”
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump said U.S. forces carried out what he called “numerous perfect strikes” against ISIS targets.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander-in-Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians — at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries,” he wrote.
The U.S. president said the strikes followed earlier warnings to the terrorist group to halt attacks on Christians or face severe consequences.
“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay — and tonight, there was,” Trump added.
Warning of more action
Trump emphasised America’s commitment to combating radical Islamic terrorism, stating that the operation demonstrated U.S. military superiority.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper,” he said.
In a Christmas message accompanying the announcement, Trump warned that further attacks would follow if the killings continue.
“May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all — including the dead terrorists — of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” he said.
U.S. Defence Secretary reacts
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed the operation in a post on X, describing it as a strong signal to ISIS and praising Nigeria’s cooperation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote.
“The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
AFRICOM confirms strikes in Sokoto
Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the strikes resulted in the deaths of multiple ISIS fighters in Sokoto State.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” AFRICOM said in a statement posted on X.
Escalation in U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation
The latest development signals a significant escalation in U.S. military engagement against ISIS elements operating in Nigeria, highlighting increased cooperation between American and Nigerian security forces in counter-terrorism operations.
