…U.S.–Nigeria joint strike rains precision hell on ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria
By Yinka Giwa
President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States, working in concert with the Nigerian military, carried out “numerous” and devastating airstrikes on terror targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, in what both governments now describe as a precision operation against foreign ISIS-linked fighters embedded in the country.
In a dramatic escalation of Washington’s posture, Trump said he personally ordered what he called “powerful and deadly” strikes against Islamic State terrorists, accusing them of relentlessly targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria.
“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 wrote on Truth Social. “I warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay. Tonight, there was.”
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has since confirmed the operation, describing it as a joint U.S.–Nigerian military action executed with federal approval and based on credible intelligence.
In a press release issued in Abuja on December 26, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said the strikes were conducted “in conjunction with the United States of America” and targeted “identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria.”
According to the statement, signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the operation followed “careful operational planning aimed at degrading the capability of the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage.” It added that the strikes form part of “ongoing coordinated efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.”
“The operation underscores the resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with strategic partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within Nigeria’s borders,” the Defence Headquarters said.
While Trump did not disclose casualty figures, unconfirmed reports emerging after the Christmas Day operation claimed that scores of militants were killed in what was widely described as a stealth, high-impact strike. U.S. officials have so far declined to provide additional operational details.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth shared Trump’s post on X, saying he was “grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” reinforcing Abuja’s confirmation of joint action.
The strikes come amid persistent violence by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and allied armed groups across northern Nigeria. Although Trump framed the mission as a response to the killing of Christians, Nigerian authorities and security experts have repeatedly stressed that extremists have targeted communities of all faiths. As recently as Wednesday night, a blast at a mosque in northeast Nigeria killed five people and injured 35 others.
Nigeria’s population is broadly split between a largely Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south, divisions often exploited by terrorist groups for recruitment and propaganda.
The Christmas Day bombardment also aligns with Trump’s tougher stance on Nigeria. In October, he reinstated the country on a U.S. watch list for alleged violations of religious freedom. Earlier this week, Nigeria was added to a U.S. travel ban list facing partial restrictions and entry limitations.
According to Republican Congressman Riley Moore, who recently visited Nigeria, both countries have established a joint task force to deepen security cooperation—an arrangement now vividly underscored by the Christmas strikes.
Trump made it clear the attack may be only the opening salvo.
“Under my leadership, the United States will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper,” he said. “Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists.”