United States President, Donald Trump, has issued a renewed warning to terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, stating that additional military action would follow if attacks against Christians persist.
The warning follows confirmed US airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Nigeria’s North-West region, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s response to insecurity in the area.
President Trump said he personally approved the operation, describing it as a reaction to what he characterised as continued assaults on Christian communities in parts of the country.
He explained that the decision to strike came after earlier cautions to the group failed to halt the violence.
“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 wrote.
According to the U.S. president, the military action was intended to send a clear signal that attacks on religious groups would not be tolerated. He said the strikes were carried out after previous warnings were ignored.
“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 added.
Trump also commended the execution of the operation, emphasising the resolve of the United States to confront extremist groups wherever they operate. He said the strikes reflected the strength and capability of the U.S. military.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper,” he stated.
In a message issued during the Christmas period, Trump warned that further attacks would follow if the violence continues.
He described the strikes as a necessary measure and suggested sustained military pressure ahead.
“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,” he said.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also commented on the development, describing the strikes as a strong warning to ISIS and similar groups. He acknowledged the cooperation of Nigerian authorities in the operation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote. “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight—on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command confirmed that several ISIS fighters were killed in the strikes, which it said were carried out in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian security agencies.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” the command said.
