U.S. strikes in Nigeria

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced that on the evening of December 25, 2025, U.S. armed forces carried out a major military operation against the Islamic State (ISIS) in northwestern Nigeria. According to Trump, the strike was ordered in his capacity as Commander in Chief and targeted ISIS militants accused of carrying out large-scale attacks on civilians. He said the group had been “brutally killing innocent civilians on a scale not seen for many years.” The operation followed several days of public statements by U.S. officials expressing concern over continued terr

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced that on the evening of December 25, 2025, U.S. armed forces carried out a major military operation against the Islamic State (ISIS) in northwestern Nigeria. According to Trump, the strike was ordered in his capacity as Commander in Chief and targeted ISIS militants accused of carrying out large-scale attacks on civilians. He said the group had been “brutally killing innocent civilians on a scale not seen for many years.” The operation followed several days of public statements by U.S. officials expressing concern over continued terrorist attacks in northwestern Nigeria. Washington had accused extremist groups of targeting Christian communities and warned that stronger action could follow if the violence continued. Earlier in 2025, the United States placed Nigeria on a list of countries of concern over terrorism. In November, Trump warned that the U.S. would intervene to protect civilians, particularly Christians, if the killings did not stop. The Nigerian government has acknowledged ongoing attacks and kidnappings by terrorist groups but maintains that the victims include people of different religions, including Muslims. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strike took place in Sokoto State and targeted a training camp belonging to the ISIS–Sahel faction. A U.S. official confirmed that the operation involved both aircraft and naval assets. AFRICOM reported that many militants were killed during the strike and said there was no evidence that civilians were killed or injured. U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, stated on social media that “the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must stop,” adding that further actions could be taken if necessary. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said intelligence agencies from both countries worked together to support the operation and ensure its success.