Nigeria confirmed it shared vital intelligence with the U.S. before Christmas night airstrikes on ISIS targets. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted "structured security cooperation" led to the precision hits. This joint effort involved strategic coordination to protect civilian lives and uphold national dignity.
President Donald Trump announced the strikes in northwest Nigeria on Thursday via Truth Social. He targeted ISIS militants who he accused of viciously killing innocent Christians. Trump warned that further attacks would follow if the slaughter of Christians does not stop.
"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum," Trump stated. He noted that the Department of War executed "numerous perfect strikes." The president vowed that his leadership would not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.
The Christian charity Open Doors reported that the strikes hit terrorist camps in the rural community of Jabo. Multiple ISIS militants were reportedly killed in the operation. Jabo is a predominantly Fulani town known as a haven for militants.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz praised the precision of the military action. He said the strikes prove that President Trump will fight for Christians worldwide. Waltz has previously referred to the ongoing atrocities in Nigeria as "genocide."
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also commented on the Christmas night mission. He said the military was ready to fulfill the president's demand that the killings end. "More to come," Hegseth warned while thanking the Nigerian government for its cooperation.
Violence against Christians in Nigeria has surged in recent months. In November, gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church and kidnapped dozens of worshippers. Armed raids have also targeted Christian boarding schools, leaving hundreds of students in captivity.
One raid on Saint Mary’s School resulted in the kidnapping of over 300 students and staff. While some managed to escape, 253 students and 12 teachers remain held by attackers. The Trump administration has signaled it will use military force to respond to these ongoing threats.