United States President Donald Trump has warned that American forces will carry out additional military strikes if Islamic State (ISIS) militants continue attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
Trump said he personally authorised recent airstrikes against ISIS fighters operating in Nigeria’s North-West, describing the operation as decisive and deadly.
The US president made the disclosure on Thursday in a post on his Truth Social account, where he confirmed that American forces had carried out what he described as “numerous perfect strikes” against ISIS elements in the region.
“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 operation followed earlier warnings to the group, stressing that the United States 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 said the strikes were carried out with precision by the US Department of War, reaffirming Washington’s resolve to confront 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, Trump 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,” he said.
Reacting to the operation, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said it 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 during the strikes 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 development marks a significant escalation of US military action against ISIS-linked groups operating in Nigeria, amid growing security cooperation between American forces and Nigerian authorities.
