Christmas Strikes Target ISIS Militants Attacking Nigerian Christians

US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he had authorized strikes against ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, focusing on militants the president called “terrorist scum” responsible for systematic attacks on Christian communities. The timing on Christmas Day carried profound symbolic significance.
The military operation followed warnings Trump had issued in October and November characterizing the situation as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide” against Nigerian Christians. The president had threatened military intervention if violence continued, setting clear expectations that have now materialized into concrete action.
According to Trump’s statement, the Department of War executed multiple precision strikes against militants who had been viciously killing innocent Christians. He emphasized that only the United States possesses the capability to conduct such operations and reaffirmed his stance against radical Islamic terrorism. The president praised the effectiveness of the strikes.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries. The collaboration includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at neutralizing militant groups. Nigerian officials stressed that terrorist violence against any religious community represents an affront to the country’s values.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed appreciation for Nigerian cooperation in enabling the strikes. He suggested that more operations might follow, noting that Trump had been clear about his intentions. The Pentagon released video footage showing projectiles launching from warships. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed, while participating in the security cooperation, has emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that the country is committed to working with international partners while ensuring religious freedom for all its people.