•Tinubu and Trump
United States President Donald Trump has warned that American forces will carry out additional military strikes if Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists continue attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
Trump said he personally authorised recent airstrikes against ISIS fighters operating in Nigeria’s North-West, describing the operation as decisive and deadly, reports The Nation.
The U.S. president made the disclosure yesterday via his Truth Social account, where he confirmed that American forces launched what he called “numerous perfect strikes” on ISIS elements in the region.
“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,” Trump wrote.
He explained that the strikes followed earlier warnings issued to the terrorist group, stressing that the United States would not tolerate continued violence against Christians.
“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 said.
Trump added that the operation was carried out with precision by the U.S. Department of War, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to fighting radical Islamic terrorism.
“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 stated.
In a Christmas message underscoring his warning, Trump said further military action would follow if the killings persist.
“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 added.
Reacting to the development, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation sent a strong signal to ISIS while acknowledging Nigeria’s cooperation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote on X. “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight—on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that several ISIS fighters were killed during the operation 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.
The development signals a significant escalation of U.S. military action against ISIS-linked groups operating in Nigeria, amid growing cooperation between American forces and Nigerian security agencies.
