President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States military carried out “powerful and deadly” airstrikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night, following a series of violent attacks on Christians in the region.
In a statement posted to X, the president confirmed that he ordered the operation as Commander in Chief to target what he termed “ISIS Terrorist Scum.” The strikes, executed by the Department of War, were a direct response to what Trump described as the slaughter of “innocent Christians” at levels unseen for centuries.
“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,” Trump wrote. He added a stark holiday message: “Merry Christmas to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
Why it Matters
The airstrikes mark a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in West Africa and fulfill recent threats made by the administration regarding religious persecution in Nigeria. Last month, Trump warned he would “go into that now disgraced country guns-a-blazing” if the violence did not cease.
The operation comes amid a surge of anti-Christian violence in the nation. Recently, gunmen killed two people and kidnapped dozens at the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State, while a separate raid on St. Mary’s School in Niger State resulted in the abduction of more than 300 students and staff. While some escaped, 253 students and 12 teachers reportedly remain captive.
This military action follows a diplomatic crackdown initiated by the administration earlier this month. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa-restriction policy targeting individuals accused of orchestrating religious violence, citing the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny entry to those who violate religious freedoms.
What to Know
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the operation in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), noting the strikes occurred in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025. AFRICOM stated the mission was conducted “at the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities.”
Footage released by the Department of War showed munitions being launched during the nighttime operation. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized that the strikes were the fulfillment of the president’s previous warnings. “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote on X, adding, “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas.”
The administration has also recently designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a label disputed by the Nigerian government, signaling increased tension over the handling of internal security and religious freedom.
What People are Saying
Reaction from administration officials and allies has been supportive, framing the strikes as a defense of religious liberty.
- U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz:“Merry Christmas to the Christians in Nigeria and around the world who know tonight that the President of the United States will fight for them.”
- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.): “I commend President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and our brave troops for these strikes against bloodthirsty ISIS savages who are not only persecuting Christians, but also have killed many Americans.”
- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth: Expressed gratitude for local cooperation, stating, “Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
According to reports from Reuters, the strikes targeted militants in the country’s northwest, a region plagued by insurgency. The Guardian noted Trump’s specific rhetoric regarding the “slaughter of Christians,” while Fox News highlighted the president’s previous interview comments where he expressed anger over the situation, calling it a “disgrace.”
What Happens Next
Secretary Hegseth hinted at the potential for further military engagement, signing off his statement with “More to come…” President Trump echoed this sentiment, warning that there would be “many more” casualties among the militants if attacks on Christians persist.
The administration is likely to continue enforcing its new visa restrictions on those deemed complicit in religious violence. It remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will respond long-term to the direct U.S. military intervention within its borders, despite the reported coordination for this specific mission.
