US President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he described as “terrorist scum” attacking Christian populations. The president emphasized that the operation demonstrated military power that only the United States possesses.
The strikes came after Trump issued warnings in October and November characterizing violence against Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide.” The president had explicitly threatened military intervention if attacks continued, warnings that have now been backed by concrete military action conducted on Christmas Day.
According to Trump’s statement, the Department of War executed “numerous perfect 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.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the strikes as part of established security cooperation with the United States. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at combating militant groups. Nigerian officials stressed that terrorist violence against any religious community represents an affront to the country’s values.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and suggested that more operations might follow. He referenced Trump’s clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon released video footage showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also maintained that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that characterizations of religious intolerance do not reflect the country’s actual commitment to protecting all religious groups.