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.

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