US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh threat to Islamic State (ISIS) militants, saying the United States will not hesitate to launch further military action if attacks against Christians in Nigeria persist.
Trump said he gave direct approval for recent air operations targeting ISIS positions in Nigeria’s North-West, describing the mission as a major blow to the group’s activities in the area.
The president disclosed this on Thursday in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he stated that American forces carried out what he called “multiple precision strikes” against ISIS fighters, reaffirming Washington’s readiness to respond forcefully to threats against vulnerable communities.
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“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries,” Trump wrote.
He said the operation came after prior warnings to the militants, emphasising that the United States would not stand by in the face of ongoing attacks against Christians.
“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.
Trump said the mission was executed with precision by the U.S. Department of War, underscoring Washington’s resolve to confront radical Islamic terrorism.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper,” he stated.
“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,” he added.
Responding to the development, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation sent a strong signal to ISIS while acknowledging Nigeria’s cooperation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote on X. “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight—on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
However, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that several ISIS fighters were killed during the operation in Sokoto State.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” AFRICOM said in a statement posted on X.
