U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that American forces carried out what he described as “numerous precise strikes” against terrorist targets in northwest Nigeria, alleging the militants were responsible for mass killings of Christians in the region.
In a statement released on December 25, Trump said the operation targeted ISIS-linked fighters operating in areas that have endured prolonged violence and insecurity. He asserted that the action was authorized under his authority as Commander-in-Chief and warned that further action would follow if attacks continued.
“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 said, adding that the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily innocent Christians.”
Trump’s statement referred to the operation as being carried out by the “Department of War,” an apparent reference to the U.S. Department of Defense. He characterized the strikes as “numerous perfect strikes” and said the United States would not allow what he termed “radical Islamic terrorism” to prosper.
Nigerian authorities later acknowledged that strikes had taken place in parts of northern Nigeria. The Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed the activity but did not disclose details regarding the targets, casualties, or the extent of Nigeria’s involvement, if any. No independent verification of U.S. involvement or the scale of the operation was immediately available.
Nigeria has for years battled multiple armed groups across its northern regions, including ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other militant and criminal networks. Attacks have affected civilians of various communities, with religious and ethnic tensions often compounding the violence.
As of press time, the U.S. Department of Defense had not issued a formal statement confirming the strikes, and questions remain about coordination with Nigerian security forces and the legal framework governing any U.S. military action on Nigerian soil.