West Plam Beach: The United States carried out a military strike against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Thursday night, President Donald Trump announced, citing attacks on Christian communities as the reason for the operation. The move comes after weeks of criticism from Trump over Nigeria’s handling of extremist violence targeting civilians.
According to US Africa Command, the strike in Soboto State killed multiple ISIS terrorists at the request of Nigerian authorities. The military described the operation as a clear demonstration of US commitment to stopping terrorist threats abroad, though details on the method and immediate impact of the strike have not been released.
“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…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/AUUmTMABSs
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 26, 2025
Trump has repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians, and last month he ordered the Pentagon to plan possible military action. In addition, the US has restricted visas for Nigerians involved in mass killings and designated the country as a ‘country of particular concern’ under the International Religious Freedom Act.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that US forces were ready and capable, saying the strike sent a clear message to ISIS on Christmas. Both Hegseth and Trump highlighted that the operation reflects America’s determination to prevent radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing.
The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.
The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come…
Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.
Merry Christmas! https://t.co/k5Q3Qd4ClE
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 25, 2025
Nigeria, home to roughly 220 million people split almost evenly between Christians and Muslims, faces a complex security landscape. Attacks have been carried out by Boko Haram, ISIS affiliates, and other extremist groups, as well as clashes over land, ethnic rivalries, and separatist movements. Both Christians and Muslims have been victims of these attacks.
With a reduced US military footprint in Africa, any intervention in Nigeria requires redeployment of forces from other regions. Still, the Trump administration has maintained pressure on the Nigerian government as attacks on schools and churches continue, emphasizing the need to protect innocent civilians regardless of faith.
