In a Christmas night post on Truth Social, Trump called the militants “ISIS Terrorist Scum” and claimed they had been “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” He warned of further action if the violence persisted.
U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strikes hit ISIS camps in Sokoto State, killing multiple militants. The operation occurred in coordination with Nigerian authorities, who requested the support through intelligence sharing.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the military's precision and thanked Nigeria for its cooperation, adding “more to come” if needed.
The strikes involved Tomahawk missiles launched from a Navy vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, according to defense officials. Initial assessments reported no civilian casualties.
Nigeria's foreign ministry described the action as part of longstanding counterterrorism partnership, emphasizing protection of all citizens regardless of faith. Officials there cautioned against framing the country's complex violence solely as religious persecution, noting both Muslims and Christians have fallen victim to insurgent groups.
Trump had issued stern warnings in recent months, threatening to withhold aid or intervene militarily unless attacks on Christians ceased. In November, he directed the Pentagon—now renamed the Department of War—to prepare options.
The operation follows Trump's broader campaign against ISIS remnants, including recent strikes in Syria. It marks the first known U.S. kinetic action in Nigeria during his current term.
Insurgent activity has plagued Nigeria for over a decade, with groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province responsible for thousands of deaths. A recent report documented over 7,000 Christians killed in targeted violence this year alone, though analysts attribute much unrest to ethnic, land, and resource conflicts.
Human rights organizations welcomed the strikes but urged careful monitoring to avoid civilian harm. As bilateral ties deepen on security, questions linger over whether this signals expanded U.S. involvement in West Africa's volatile Sahel region.
