NIGERIA – Donald Trump on Thursday announced US airstrike in Nigerian northwestern region targeting ISIS targets.

“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!” he said.

“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.

“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing,” he added.

“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.”

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a post on the US social media company X’s platform that it launched the strikes “at the request of Nigerian authorities” in Sokoto State, “killing multiple ISIS terrorists.”

“Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” it added.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also commented on the strikes in a post on X.

“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come…Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!” he said.

Nigeria Confirms Security Cooperation with US

Nigeria confirmed early Friday that it continues to collaborate with the US in the field of security to address the ongoing threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by airstrikes in the North West,” the statement said.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” it added.

The statement reaffirmed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism actions prioritize the protection of civilians, the preservation of national unity, and the respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Terrorism in any form directed against any community is an affront to Nigeria’s values and undermines international peace and security, it said.

“The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities,” it said.

The ministry added that it will continue to engage in contact with “relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.”