Nigeria: Trump warns of more U.S. strikes if ISIS continues killing Christians in Nigeria

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that further military action will be taken if Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists continue attacking and killing Christians in Nigeria, revealing that he personally authorised recent U.S. airstrikes against the group in the country’s North-West.

Trump made the disclosure on Thursday in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he confirmed that American forces carried out what he described as “numerous perfect strikes” against ISIS fighters operating in North-West Nigeria.

According to Trump, the operation followed repeated warnings to the terrorist group to stop targeting Christian communities.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in Northwest Nigeria, who have been viciously killing innocent Christians,” he wrote.

He said the strikes were meant to send a strong message, adding that the killings had reached disturbing levels.

“I warned them that if they did not stop slaughtering Christians, there would be hell to pay. Tonight, there was,” Trump stated.

Trump further said the operation was carried out by the U.S. Department of War, praising the precision of the strikes and reaffirming America’s stance against extremist groups.

“Under my leadership, the United States will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to thrive,” he said.

In a Christmas message accompanying his warning, Trump said further attacks would follow if the killings continued. “May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all — including the dead terrorists — of which there will be many more if this violence does not stop,” he added.

Reacting to the strikes, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation sent a clear signal to ISIS, while also acknowledging Nigeria’s cooperation.

“The President was clear last month that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere must end,” Hegseth wrote on X. 

“The Department of War was ready, and ISIS felt it tonight. We are grateful for the support and cooperation of the Nigerian government.”

Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the airstrikes took place on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State, and resulted in the killing of multiple ISIS fighters.

“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,” AFRICOM said in a statement.

The development marks a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement against ISIS elements operating in Nigeria, highlighting growing international concern over ongoing terrorist attacks and the targeting of civilians.