US President Donald Trump
United States (US) President, Donald J. Trump, has announced that the United States military carried out airstrikes against ISIS-affiliated terrorists operating in northwest Nigeria, describing the operation as a decisive blow against violent extremism in the region.
In a statement posted late on Sunday via his Truth Social account, Trump said the strikes were personally authorised by him in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.
According to him, the operation targeted terrorists accused of orchestrating brutal attacks on civilians.
“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.
He claimed the group had been “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!”
Trump added that the U.S. action followed earlier warnings to the militants.
“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,” he said.
Describing the military operation, Trump stated that “the Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing,” while reaffirming his long-held position on counter-terrorism.
“Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper,” he declared.
He concluded his message with a salute to American troops and a seasonal greeting, saying: “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.”
*Nigeria confirms ongoing security and intelligence cooperation with U.S*
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation with the United States following reports of the airstrikes.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja said it remains engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” aimed at tackling terrorism and violent extremism.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the ministry noted.
The statement explained that such collaboration is carried out within recognised international frameworks.
“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” it said.
Nigeria also stressed that its counter-terrorism strategy is not directed at any religion or ethnic group. “Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” the ministry stated.
It added that “terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
The Federal Government further assured that it would continue working with international partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while also strengthening domestic security and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” the statement concluded.
