US Forces Hit ISIS Targets in Nigeria After Trump Orders Christmas Eve Strike

Trump Says US Military Struck ISIS Terrorists in Nigeria — A Bold Christmas Night Operation

In a dramatic announcement on the night of December 25, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American military forces had launched a powerful airstrike in northwest Nigeria against Islamic State (ISIS) militants, marking a new chapter in transcontinental counter-terror operations. The strike came on Christmas night, a symbolic moment that ensured global attention. Scripps News+1

At approximately late evening on December 25 (local Nigeria time), Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he had personally directed the operation as Commander in Chief. In his statement, he described the strike as a decisive blow against extremists he accused of attacking innocent people, mostly Christians, in the region. WHDH 7News

“Tonight, at my direction … the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria…” Trump wrote, vowing that America would not let extremism prosper. WHDH 7News

What Happened in Nigeria?

According to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and multiple news agencies, the strikes were focused on militant strongholds in Sokoto State, a territory in northwest Nigeria that borders Niger. This region has seen repeated violence and extremist activity over the past several years. Reuters

The military operation was reportedly conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities, and Pentagon officials confirmed the collaboration. While exact numbers of casualties remain undisclosed, AFRICOM stated that multiple ISIS militants were killed in the airstrike. Reuters

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement supporting the operation as valid under international law and emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty and regional security cooperation. The New Indian Express

Why the Strike? Trump’s Justification

President Trump repeatedly framed this military action as a response to extremist violence that has targeted mainly Christian communities, although Nigerian officials have pointed out that violence affects people of all backgrounds and faiths in the country. The Guardian

Trump has made this issue a priority for months. In the weeks leading up to the strike:

• He criticized Nigeria for failing to protect vulnerable citizens.

• He designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under U.S. religious freedom policy.

• He warned that the U.S. might take stronger action if violence continued. Scripps News

In his Christmas night post, Trump said:
“Our country will not allow radical terrorism to prosper.” WHDH 7News

His remarks referred not only to military strength but to a broader political message about defending persecuted communities globally.

Military and Diplomatic Context

U.S.–Nigeria Cooperation

Officials from both the U.S. and Nigeria confirmed the operation involved strategic coordination — including intelligence sharing and approval from Nigerian authorities — demonstrating a rare instance of deep military cooperation between the two countries. The New Indian Express

The attack itself was carried out by U.S. air assets under AFRICOM command, but details about the types of aircraft or weapons used have not been publicly released. No information so far confirms whether ground forces were involved. Reuters

Global Reaction

Reactions from world capitals and African governments are still coming in. Some global leaders praised the strike as a blow against extremist networks, while others cautioned that military action alone won’t solve Nigeria’s complex security issues, which also include ethnic conflict, land disputes, and criminal insurgencies. The Guardian

What Comes Next?

President Trump’s statement included a stern warning that further actions could follow if violence against civilians continues. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also posted on social media that the military remained “ready and capable,” signaling that this strike may not be an isolated event. Scripps News

In Washington, some lawmakers have praised the operation as a defender of persecuted populations, while others have urged caution, reminding audiences that Nigeria’s security landscape is highly complex and involves multiple non-state militant groups beyond ISIS alone. Fox News

How This Fits Into U.S. Policy

This action represents a notable shift in U.S. involvement in Africa. In recent years, American military engagement on the continent had been reduced, even as extremist groups grew stronger. Analysts see this strike — especially timed on Christmas — as both a strategic and symbolic demonstration of U.S. power and political will. The Guardian