Trump says US Launched ‘Numerous’ Deadly Strikes on Terrorists in Nigeria

United States President Donald Trump has said that American forces carried out deadly airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists operating in Northwestern Nigeria, warning that further attacks would follow if the militants continued killing Christians.

Trump made the disclosure on Thursday via his Truth Social platform, stating that the strikes were ordered by him and executed by the Department of War. According to the president, the operation involved what he described as “numerous perfect strikes.”

He wrote, “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!”

The president said he had previously issued warnings to the militants, adding that consequences were inevitable if the attacks continued. “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,” he stated.

Trump further praised the military operation, saying, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.” He also reiterated his administration’s stance on terrorism, declaring, “Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.”

Concluding his post, Trump added, “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.”

Trump Escalates Counterterrorism Efforts as AFRICOM Confirms Nigeria Strikes

In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s cooperation. He wrote, “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.”

Hegseth added, “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas.” He also noted, “Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the strike in a statement posted on X, saying it was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. “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,” the statement read, adding that multiple ISIS fighters were killed.

The airstrikes came a day after a bomb explosion hit a mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State, killing five people and injuring dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide attack.

According to The New York Post, Nigeria has been grappling with persistent violence carried out by several militant groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Last month, Trump had warned that the United States could cut off aid to Nigeria and take direct military action if the Nigerian government failed to do more to stop Islamic extremists from killing Christians. In a Truth Social post dated Nov. 1, the president said he had instructed the War Department to “prepare for possible action” against “terrorist thugs” in the country.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration recently recalled more than two dozen ambassadors appointed by former President Joe Biden, including the US ambassador to Nigeria and several others posted across Africa.

Since assuming office in January, Trump has overseen US military strikes in multiple regions, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Caribbean Sea, and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.