US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had ordered a lethal US airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, accusing the group of killing and persecuting Christians.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he had directed a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS fighters operating in the region. He claimed the militants had been responsible for the killing of innocent Christians and warned that further violence would be met with force.
AFRICOM Confirms Strike Carried Out at Nigeria’s Request
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) later confirmed that the strike was carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities and resulted in the deaths of several terrorists. The operation took place in Sokoto state, which borders Niger.
“I previously warned these terrorists that if they continued slaughtering Christians, there would be hell to pay. Tonight, there was,” Trump wrote. He added that the strikes were executed by the US military, which he described as unmatched in its capabilities.
Trump Warns Terrorists Over Attacks on Christians
Trump also said the United States would not allow what he called “radical Islamic terrorism” to thrive under his leadership. He praised the US military and ended his message with Christmas greetings, including a controversial remark aimed at the militants killed in the strike. The president is currently spending the Christmas holidays at his Florida estate in Palm Beach.
In a statement shared with CNN, Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed its cooperation with the United States in carrying out airstrikes on terrorist targets. The ministry reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Daniel Bwala, a special adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, told CNN that the two countries are working closely together in the fight against terrorism. The US Department of Defense also released video footage showing the airstrike.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a separate social media post that he was grateful for the support and cooperation of the Nigerian government. CNN reported that it had contacted the White House for further comment.
Trump has repeatedly raised concerns in recent months about the safety of Christians in Nigeria. In November, he called on the US defense secretary to prepare for possible military action and warned that the United States could intervene forcefully if attacks continued.
Nigeria Affirms Commitment to Religious Freedom
Meanwhile, on Christmas Eve, President Tinubu issued a goodwill message wishing Christians in Nigeria and around the world a merry Christmas. He emphasized his commitment to religious freedom and vowed to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence.
