United States President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out what he described as “numerous” deadly airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists in northwestern Nigeria.
Trump made the disclosure on Thursday via his Truth Social account, stating that the attacks were ordered in response to continued killings of Christians by the extremist group. He warned that further strikes would follow if the violence persisted.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote. “They have been viciously killing innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years.”
According to Trump, the strikes were executed by the US Department of War and were carried out with precision. He said the operations demonstrated America’s commitment to preventing the spread of radical Islamic terrorism.
“I previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop slaughtering Christians, there would be hell to pay,” he added. “Tonight, there was.”
In a separate statement on X (formerly Twitter), US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s cooperation. He said the US government had made clear that attacks on innocent Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere would not be tolerated.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the operation, stating that American forces conducted coordinated airstrikes against ISIS elements in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, in collaboration with Nigerian authorities. The strikes reportedly killed multiple ISIS fighters.
The development comes a day after a suspected suicide bombing struck a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killing five people and injuring several others. Nigerian security agencies have linked the attack to Boko Haram, one of several extremist groups operating in the country.
Nigeria has faced years of insurgency from militant organisations, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly in the northern regions.
Last month, Trump warned that the US could withdraw aid and take direct military action in Nigeria if the government failed to curb extremist violence against Christians. He also revealed that he had directed the Department of War to prepare for possible military intervention.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has authorised US military operations in multiple regions, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, and parts of the Caribbean and Pacific.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
