US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he had ordered strikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, describing them as “terrorist scum” responsible for attacks on Christian populations. The operation was specifically aimed at addressing threats of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
The strikes came after Trump issued warnings in October and November characterizing the situation as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide” against Nigerian Christians. The president had explicitly threatened military intervention if violence persisted, warnings that materialized into military action 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. The president praised the operation’s effectiveness.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the military action as part of ongoing security cooperation specifically aimed at addressing the threat of terrorism and violent extremism. The partnership involves intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to combat militant groups. Nigerian officials made clear that terrorist violence against any religious community contradicts the nation’s fundamental values.
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 documentation showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also stressed that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that the country maintains its commitment to religious tolerance despite facing ongoing security challenges.