FG Confirms the air strike
From Victor Osula, Abuja
The United States carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day. U.S.
President Donald Trump described the operation as a decisive action against extremist violence aimed at Christian communities in the region.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump confirmed that the strikes were executed at his direction as Commander-in-Chief.
He noted that the operation targeted ISIS fighters whom he accused of “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.”
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump said.
He added that U.S. defense officials had “executed numerous perfect strikes” and reaffirmed that “our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strikes took place in Sokoto State, noting they were conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities” and resulted in the deaths of multiple ISIS militants.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, using the administration’s preferred term “Department of War,” praised the readiness of the forces and expressed gratitude for the Nigerian government’s cooperation.
Nigerian authorities, while acknowledging the precision airstrikes, framed the operation as part of a long-standing security partnership.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government emphasized that the strikes were the result of structured intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at addressing the “persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.”
“This engagement has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the ministry stated.
“It further stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts protect all citizens regardless of faith, noting that “terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values.”
The air strikes follow weeks of escalating rhetoric from Washington. In November, President Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” regarding religious freedom and warned of military intervention if the killing of Christians did not cease.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the public that the government remains committed to weakening terrorist networks while ensuring that all international cooperation remains consistent with “mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional security.”
