U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out powerful military strikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025, in cooperation with the Nigerian government. Trump claimed the action targeted jihadists “who have been targeting and killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”
According to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the airstrikes focused on militant positions in Sokoto State, striking suspected camps with precision strikes. Nigerian authorities confirmed they worked with U.S. forces for the operation as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Trump posted on social media that the attacks were carried out at his direction as Commander-in-Chief and described them as “powerful and deadly,” though exact casualty figures were not released. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said on social media that “more to come” in the fight against extremist groups.
Experts note that Nigeria faces multiple armed threats from groups linked to ISIS, including factions in the Sahel region and other militant organisations. While Trump framed the strikes as protecting persecuted Christians, Nigerian officials have pointed out that violence in the nation affects communities of all faiths and is part of a broader security crisis.
The strikes come after Trump had earlier this year designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over claimed religious violence and accused the government of not doing enough to protect vulnerable communities.
