US President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that American forces had struck ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The Pentagon released video showing naval operations supporting the strikes.
The military action followed Trump’s warnings issued in October and November when he characterized the situation as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide” against Nigerian Christians. The president had explicitly threatened military intervention if violence persisted, warnings that materialized into military action conducted on Christmas Day.
In his statement, Trump emphasized that the Department of War executed precision 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 combating militant groups. Nigerian officials stressed that terrorist violence against any religious community represents an affront to the country’s values.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and suggested that more operations might follow. He referenced Trump’s clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon video showed at least one projectile launching from a warship, providing visual documentation of the naval component of the operation. 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.
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