President Donald Trump said he ordered multiple U.S. military strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, marking a significant escalation in American counterterrorism activity in West Africa.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the operation as involving “powerful and deadly” strikes against militants he accused of attacking and killing Christians in the region. He did not provide specific details on casualties or the exact locations of the strikes.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the announcement on social media, saying he was thankful for the Nigerian government’s cooperation and support. The Pentagon later released video footage showing at least one projectile launched from a U.S. naval vessel. A U.S. defense official said the operation targeted multiple militants at known ISIS camps.
Nigeria Confirms Coordinated Security Effort
Nigerian officials confirmed that the strikes were carried out as part of ongoing security collaboration with the United States. In a statement issued early Friday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination between the two countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” said ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa. He added that the cooperation led to “precision hits on terrorist targets” in northwest Nigeria and would continue under established legal frameworks.
U.S. and Nigerian officials have previously acknowledged the existence of a joint task force focused on counterterrorism and regional security, particularly against ISIS affiliates and other militant groups operating in the country.
Debate Over the Nature of Violence in Nigeria
Trump’s characterization of the violence as primarily targeting Christians has drawn criticism from Nigerian authorities and independent analysts. Experts note that extremist violence in Nigeria has affected communities across religious lines.
Just days before the U.S. strikes, an explosion at a mosque in northeast Nigeria killed at least five people and injured dozens, underscoring the broader scope of militant attacks. Nigeria’s population is roughly divided between Muslims, who are concentrated in the north, and Christians, who are more prevalent in the south.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly rejected portrayals of Nigeria as religiously intolerant. In a Christmas Eve message, he reaffirmed his commitment to protecting citizens of all faiths and promoting religious freedom. In earlier statements, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s government opposes religious persecution and does not condone violence based on belief.
Diplomatic Tensions and U.S. Policy Shifts
Despite Nigeria’s assurances, the Trump administration has recently taken a harder line toward the country. In October, the United States placed Nigeria back on a list of nations accused of violating religious freedom. More recently, Nigeria was included in a U.S. travel ban list subjecting the country to partial entry restrictions.
The strikes in Nigeria come amid broader U.S. military actions against ISIS. Last week, American forces conducted large-scale operations against Islamic State targets in Syria following a suspected attack on U.S. personnel.
Together, the developments highlight an increasingly assertive U.S. approach to counterterrorism under Trump, while also exposing diplomatic friction over how violence and religious tensions in Nigeria are framed on the global stage.
