President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he had ordered strikes against what he repeatedly called “terrorist scum” operating in northwest Nigeria, specifically targeting ISIS militants responsible for attacks on Christian populations. The president’s strong language underscored his administration’s hard stance against terrorism.
The strikes came after Trump issued warnings in October and November characterizing violence against Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” approaching genocidal levels. The president had explicitly threatened military intervention if attacks persisted, warnings that have now been backed by concrete military action conducted on Christmas Day.
Trump detailed that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” against militants who had been systematically killing innocent Christians. He emphasized that only the United States possesses such military capabilities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the military action as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two nations. This collaboration involves intelligence sharing and strategic planning to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Nigerian officials made clear that their government opposes terrorist violence against all religious communities, whether Christian or Muslim.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed appreciation for Nigerian cooperation in enabling the strikes. He suggested that more operations might follow, noting that ISIS had learned a lesson on Christmas. The Pentagon released video footage showing weaponry being deployed from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that the country is committed to working with international partners.