United States President Donald Trump has said American forces carried out multiple airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in northwestern Nigeria, warning that further attacks would follow if militants continued killing Christians.
Trump disclosed this on Thursday via his Truth Social account, stating that the strikes targeted ISIS elements operating in the region.
He described the operation as decisive and warned extremist groups against further violence.
According to the US president, the strikes were authorised by him in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief and executed by the Department of War.
He claimed the militants had been responsible for sustained attacks, particularly against Christian communities.
“Tonight, at my direction, the United States launched powerful and deadly strikes against ISIS terrorists in northwest Nigeria,” Trump said, adding that the operation was a response to what he described as escalating violence by the group.
He warned that the US would not tolerate the spread of radical Islamic terrorism and vowed additional military action if attacks persisted.
In a separate statement on X, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was carried out with the cooperation of the Nigerian government.
He noted that Washington had been clear in its demand that the killing of civilians, especially Christians, must end.
US Africa Command also confirmed the operation, saying it conducted coordinated strikes on December 25, 2025, which killed multiple ISIS fighters in Sokoto State.
The command said the operation was carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
The strikes came a day after an explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killed at least five people and injured several others in what was suspected to be a suicide attack.
Nigeria has for years faced attacks from armed groups including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, particularly in the North-East and parts of the North-West.
Trump had previously warned that the United States could suspend aid to Nigeria and take direct military action if authorities failed to curb extremist violence.
In a November post, he said he had directed the Department of War to prepare for possible action against terrorist groups operating in the country.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has authorised military strikes in several regions, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Syria and parts of the Caribbean and Pacific.
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