US President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that he had ordered a military response against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, describing them as “terrorist scum” responsible for attacks on Christian populations. The operation demonstrated the administration’s commitment to protecting religious minorities through military force.
The military action came after Trump issued warnings in October and November characterizing violence against Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide.” The president had made clear that continued attacks would provoke American military intervention, a commitment fulfilled through strikes conducted on Christmas Day.
In his statement, Trump emphasized that the Department of War executed precision strikes against militants engaged in the vicious killing of innocent Christians. He highlighted American military capabilities and his administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward radical Islamic terrorism.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the strikes as part of established security cooperation with the United States. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to combat terrorism and violent extremism in the region. Nigerian officials stressed that their government opposes terrorist violence against all religious communities.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and suggested that more operations might follow. He referenced Trump’s previous warnings about protecting Christians and noted that ISIS had learned lessons on Christmas. The Pentagon released video footage showing missiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also maintained that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that characterizations of religious intolerance do not accurately represent the nation’s commitment.