Shola Akinyele
In a dramatic Christmas Day announcement, President Donald Trump revealed that he personally ordered U.S. forces to launch “powerful and deadly” airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, accusing them of viciously targeting and slaughtering innocent Christians.
From his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he is celebrating the holidays, Trump posted on Truth Social: “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 warned of further action: “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… MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the operation targeted ISIS camps in Sokoto State, bordering Niger, stating the strikes were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities and killed multiple terrorists. Footage released by the Department of Defense shows missiles launching from a naval vessel toward the targets.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the operation, posting: “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the joint effort, describing precision hits on “terrorist targets” and reaffirming commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of faith.
Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala stated: “The US and Nigeria are on the same page in the fight against terrorism.
The strikes follow months of Trump’s focus on Nigeria’s security crisis, where he designated the country a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations and threatened “guns-a-blazing” intervention.
Experts note that while Islamist groups like ISIS-West Africa Province have committed atrocities, violence in Nigeria often stems from ethnic, communal, and resource conflicts, affecting both Christians and Muslims.
On Christmas Eve, President Bola Tinubu called for interfaith peace, pledging to safeguard all Nigerians.
This operation adds to Trump’s recent military actions, including strikes on Iran and Syria, highlighting his aggressive stance against terrorism despite earlier vows to avoid overseas entanglements.
As details unfold, the strikes signal potential escalation in U.S. involvement in Africa’s counterterrorism efforts.
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