United States President Donald Trump has warned that American forces will launch further military strikes if Islamic State (ISIS) militants continue attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
Trump said he personally authorised recent U.S. airstrikes against ISIS elements operating in Nigeria’s North-West, describing the operation as decisive and lethal. The President disclosed this on Thursday via his Truth Social account, where he confirmed that American forces carried out what he called “numerous perfect strikes” against the terror group.
“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,”
Trump wrote.
He said the strikes followed earlier warnings to the group, stressing that Washington would not tolerate continued violence against Christians.
“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he added.
Trump noted that the operation was executed by the U.S. Department of War, reaffirming America’s commitment to combating radical Islamic terrorism.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper,” he stated.
In a Christmas message reinforcing his warning, the U.S. President said further military action would follow if the killings persist.
“May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists—of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” Trump said.
Reacting to the development, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation sent a strong message to ISIS, while acknowledging Nigeria’s cooperation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,”
Hegseth wrote on X. “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight—on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that several ISIS fighters were killed in the operation, which took place in Sokoto State.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” AFRICOM said in a statement posted on X.
The latest strikes mark a significant escalation in U.S. military action against ISIS-linked groups in Nigeria, amid deepening security cooperation between American forces and Nigerian authorities.
