US Carries Out Deadly Strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria, Trump Announces

The United States conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, announced U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, and confirmed by U.S. Africa Command. The strikes were described by Trump as “powerful and deadly,” targeting militants allegedly responsible for violent attacks against civilians in the region.

Trump stated that the operation was ordered “at my direction as Commander in Chief” and labeled the ISIS fighters as “terrorist scum” responsible for atrocities, particularly against Christian communities. He claimed the strikes demonstrated the U.S. commitment to countering radical Islamic terrorism.

Coordination With Nigerian Authorities

According to the U.S. military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM), the strikes were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities at the request of the Nigerian government. Details on the specific targets, casualties, and weapons used have not been fully disclosed, but officials reported that multiple ISIS militants were killed during the operation. 

Nigeria’s foreign ministry acknowledged the cooperation, emphasizing security collaboration and intelligence sharing as part of broader efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the country. 

Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security crisis involving multiple armed groups, including factions linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups have carried out attacks on both civilians and security forces in different parts of the country, particularly in the northwest and northeast. 

Trump has in recent months criticized Nigeria’s handling of sectarian violence and framed the extremist attacks as targeting Christians, arguing that stronger action was necessary. His administration has also placed Nigeria on a watchlist for religious freedom concerns and restricted visas for individuals involved in violence.

Statements From US and Nigerian Officials

President Trump’s announcement came on Christmas Day, underlining the U.S. stance that radical terrorism must not be allowed to flourish. He praised the precision and effectiveness of the strikes, though specific operational details remain limited. 

Nigerian authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of faith and emphasized that the security situation in Nigeria involves diverse groups and causes that affect both Muslim and Christian communities. 

The strikes represent a notable escalation of U.S. military engagement in West Africa, carried out under the premise of supporting Nigeria’s efforts against extremism. Both U.S. and Nigerian officials have hinted that further cooperation may continue as part of broader counterterrorism initiatives.