Trump says US hit ISIS targets in Nigeria
President Donald Trump announced on Dec. 25 that the U.S. military carried out strikes against Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria, saying the terrorist group had been responsible for attacks against Christians in the region.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said he ordered what he described as a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS forces, accusing the group of killing innocent Christians at extreme levels. He said he had previously warned the terrorists to stop the attacks or face consequences, adding that the Pentagon conducted “numerous” successful strikes on ISIS positions. Nigeria has been battling Islamic State-affiliated militants in parts of the northwest.
The announcement followed a Christmas message from Nigerian Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, the country’s air force chief of staff, who urged troops to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and criminal activity in the region, according to local broadcaster Channels TV.
U.S. Rep. Addison McDowell, R-N.C., praised the action, saying he was grateful for President Trump’s response. In a post on X, McDowell said the situation for Christians in Nigeria had reached a critical point and that religious persecution should not be tolerated.
The strikes come days after U.S. forces launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria on Dec. 19, following the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. In November, President Trump had warned of possible military action in Nigeria over what he described as ongoing violence against Christians.
Earlier warnings to Nigeria
In early November, President Trump said he directed the Pentagon to prepare for potential action in Nigeria, alleging that the Nigerian government was not doing enough to protect Christian communities. He also threatened to halt U.S. aid and assistance to the country.
At the time, Trump said the U.S. military could intervene forcefully to eliminate terrorist groups responsible for the attacks. He later designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing what he called serious religious freedom violations, according to reports from CNN and The Associated Press.
Nigerian government disputes claims
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the designation, saying it did not reflect the country’s reality or the government’s efforts to protect religious freedom. He said Nigeria remains committed to working with the United States and the international community to safeguard people of all faiths.
Tinubu’s press secretary, Bayo Onanuga, also disputed U.S. claims, calling them a “gross exaggeration” of the situation and stating that violence in Nigeria affects Christians, Muslims, churches, and mosques alike.
This is a developing story.
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