President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president described as “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The operation represented a joint effort between Nigerian and American security forces.
The strikes came after Trump characterized violence against Nigerian Christians in October and November as an “existential threat” approaching genocidal levels. The president had explicitly threatened military intervention if attacks continued, warnings that materialized into coordinated military action conducted on Christmas Day.
Trump detailed that the Department of War executed multiple precision 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. The president praised the operation’s execution and effectiveness.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry released a statement confirming the strikes were part of ongoing security cooperation involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to address terrorism and violent extremism. Nigerian officials made clear that terrorist violence against any religious community contradicts the nation’s fundamental values.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and support, indicating that additional operations could follow. He referenced Trump’s previous clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon released video documentation showing weaponry being deployed from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the joint security operation, he has also emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that the country maintains its commitment to religious tolerance despite facing ongoing security challenges in various regions.
