President Donald Trump said the United States launched airstrikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas, describing the operation as a decisive blow against extremists he accused of targeting Christian communities.
Why It Matters
The significance of this announcement by Trump centers on the long-standing violence in Nigeria, which affects both Christians and Muslims, and potential implications of U.S. military involvement in the region.
American troops' activity there could potentially set a precedent for foreign intervention in humanitarian crises motivated by religious targeting.
What To Know
The president wrote on Truth Social, "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues."
A Department of Defense official told Newsweek on Thursday: "The Department of War worked with the government of Nigeria to carry out these strikes. These strikes were approved by the government of Nigeria.”
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is the site of long-standing armed conflict involving regional militant groups including Boko Haram.
Nigeria was recently designated a “country of particular concern” by the Trump administration.
What People Are Saying
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on X on Thursday evening: "The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!"
Trump on Truth Social in October: "Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a 'COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN' — But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done! I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"
Morris, "Moe", Davis, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, on X on Thursday: ".@realDonaldTrump does a deadly strike on ISIS in Nigeria for targeting Christians. What legal authority is there for an American president to unilaterally kill people in a foreign country for religious reasons? And will Congress continue to whistle past the graveyard?"
Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger on X on Thursday: "Anywhere ISIS exists and operates should never be safe for them. Nigeria has been combatting these terrorists and requested assistance, and it was the right call to strike them. May the ISIS flag never fly over controlled territory again"
What Happens Next
The attack marks a significant escalation of U.S. military involvement in Nigeria's conflict and could influence broader debates over U.S. counterterrorism policy in Africa.
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Update 12/25/25, 9:35 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional remarks.
Update 12/25/25, 7:54 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Update 12/25/25, 6:43 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.