The United States military carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, escalating U.S. involvement in a region plagued by persistent jihadist violence and banditry, and following renewed warnings from President Donald Trump about attacks on Christian communities.
President Trump announced the operation in a post on Truth Social, declaring that “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!”
According to U.S. Africa Command, the strikes targeted militant camps in Sokoto State near the Niger border, an area where the Islamic State–Sahel affiliate has maintained a foothold. The command said multiple militants were killed and confirmed the operation was conducted in coordination with Nigerian forces.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the administration’s posture in a series of social media posts. “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote. He added, “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas,” followed by a warning: “More to come…”
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the strikes and emphasized bilateral cooperation, according to The New York Times. Spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa said that “the precision strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria were carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government,” adding that terrorist violence against civilians represents “an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
The operation follows a directive issued by President Trump last month instructing the Pentagon to prepare intervention options aimed at protecting Christian populations amid mounting reports of extremist attacks. U.S. officials had increased surveillance over parts of Nigeria in recent weeks as planning intensified. He had previously warned the country that he would take action if nothing happened to protect Christians.
Nigeria continues to face widespread insecurity from multiple armed actors, including Islamic State–linked factions, Boko Haram, and criminal bandit gangs responsible for mass kidnappings. While violence has affected communities across religious lines, President Trump has repeatedly highlighted the toll on Christian populations.
The strikes mark another recent U.S. military action against Islamic State elements, coming shortly after operations targeting militants in Syria. U.S. Africa Command said it remains committed to working with Nigerian and regional partners to counter extremist threats and protect civilian populations.
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