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Thursday, December 25, 2025
US President Donald Trump called out ISIS in Nigeria and called them, ‘Terrorist Scum’.
President Donald Trump announced late Thursday that U.S. forces have launched “powerful and deadly” airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, directly blaming the group for the targeted killings of Christians in the region.
In a fiery post on Truth Social, the president declared: “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!”
Trump warned of further action, stating, “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.” He praised the operation as “numerous perfect strikes” executed by the Department of War and added a holiday message: “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.”
The strikes, confirmed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) as coordinated with Nigerian authorities, targeted ISIS-affiliated camps in areas like Sokoto State. Initial assessments indicate multiple terrorists were killed, though exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed.
The operation follows months of escalating concern from the Trump administration over violence against Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions. Groups linked to ISIS West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram have been accused of carrying out massacres, kidnappings, and village raids, often targeting Christians. Reports from advocacy organizations document thousands of Christian deaths in 2025 alone, with heightened attacks feared during the Christmas season.
In November, Trump had directed the Pentagon to prepare options for intervention and threatened to halt U.S. aid if Nigeria failed to protect its Christian population. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the president’s resolve, posting: “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.”
The Pentagon has declined to release further operational details, citing security concerns. Nigerian officials have not yet issued a formal response to the strikes.
This marks a rare direct U.S. military action in Nigeria, underscoring Trump’s emphasis on combating radical Islamic terrorism and protecting religious minorities abroad.
The Federal Government of Nigeria acknowledges the precision airstrikes conducted by United States forces against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist positions in northwest Nigeria, specifically in Sokoto State, on Christmas Day.
These strikes, carried out in close coordination with and at the explicit request of Nigerian authorities, targeted known ISIS camps and resulted in the elimination of multiple terrorists. The operation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Nigerian Armed Forces, reflecting our shared commitment to combating terrorism and restoring peace and security to affected regions.
Nigeria has long been at the forefront of the fight against Islamist extremism, including groups affiliated with ISIS West Africa Province and Boko Haram, which have inflicted untold suffering on our citizens across religious and ethnic lines. We welcome targeted international support that complements our ongoing military operations and respects Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Government extends its gratitude to President Donald Trump and the U.S. administration for this demonstration of partnership in addressing a common threat. We remain open to further cooperation with the United States and other allies to achieve the complete degradation and defeat of terrorist elements on Nigerian soil.
We reassure all Nigerians that the security forces are vigilant and committed to protecting lives and property during this festive season and beyond.
Signed,
Bayo Onanuga
Minister of Information and National Orientation
Federal Republic of Nigeria
