Trump: US conducts airstrikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria to protect Christians
Aftermath of US airstrikes on Islamic State militants. Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, December 26, 2025. Photo: Reuters / Sodiq Adelakun
On December 25, 2025, the United States carried out airstrikes against militants of the terrorist group Islamic State in northwestern Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government. The strikes targeted extremists responsible for attacks on the region’s Christian civilian population, Reuters reports.
According to the US side, the operation was conducted after careful analysis of intelligence and in coordination with Nigerian security forces. The airstrikes hit two ISIS-linked camps located in a forested area of Sokoto State.
US President Donald Trump announced the strikes on the social network Truth Social, stressing that the operation was a response to systematic violence against Christians. “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, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!,” he wrote.
Nigerian authorities confirmed the airstrikes, stating that the operation was carried out with US support and was aimed at foreign fighters linked to ISIS who had been infiltrating the country from the Sahel region. Officials in Abuja noted that the actions were authorized by President Bola Tinubu.
In a Christmas message posted on X earlier, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called for peace in his country, "especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs." He also said: "I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence."
Nigeria also said it is prepared to continue cooperation with the United States in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing that the priority remains the protection of civilians and the restoration of security in areas affected by extremist attacks.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the United States had sent a congressman to Nigeria following statements alleging a genocide of Christians.
Read also
MP backs petition to ban UOC broadcasts in Rivne
The lawmaker described the situation in the cathedral as “religious schizophrenia” and accused local officials of years-long indulgence toward the parish community’s activities.
Liturgies continue at the Holy Sepulchre, Romanian Church cleric says
Despite shelling and restrictions, liturgical life in Jerusalem has not ceased.
Wonderworking icon of the Mother of God honored at Brailiv monastery
Hierarchs led a concelebrated service with a procession and also marked the 30th anniversary of the abbess’s ministry at the Brailiv convent.
MinCulture transfers to OCU Crimean building housing “Ministry of Property”
Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture has formally granted the OCU the right to use a building in occupied Crimea – the very building where a former cathedral once stood and which now houses the local “Ministry of Property” – for the next half century.
Antiochian patriarch expresses condolences on the repose of Patriarch Ilia
Patriarch John X of Antioch has sent a message following the death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia.
Court hearing in Upper Lavra case postponed again
The appeal hearing was adjourned after the monastery’s legal team obtained grounds to seek the recusal of the panel of judges.