US President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that the Department of War had executed strikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the Department of War is “always ready” for such operations.
The military action followed Trump’s warnings from October and November when he characterized the situation as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide” against Nigerian Christians. The president had made clear that continued violence would provoke American military intervention, a commitment realized through strikes conducted on Christmas Day.
In his statement, Trump emphasized that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” against militants engaged in the vicious killing of innocent Christians. He highlighted American military capabilities and his administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward radical Islamic terrorism.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the strikes as part of established security cooperation with the United States. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at neutralizing militant groups. Nigerian officials stressed that terrorist violence against any religious community contradicts the nation’s fundamental values.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and suggested that more operations could follow, stating “More to come.” He referenced Trump’s clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon released video footage showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also maintained that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that characterizations of religious intolerance do not reflect the country’s actual commitment.