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Trump says US forces hit ISIS camps in Nigeria to protect Christians
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AFRICOM confirms coordinated airstrikes with Nigerian authorities in Sokoto
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Nigeria, US reaffirm joint fight against terrorism and religious violence
The United States has carried out airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, saying the operation was aimed at stopping attacks on Christians.
Trump, speaking from West Palm Beach, Florida, said he authorised what he described as a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS militants operating in northwest Nigeria, accusing the group of killing innocent civilians.
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In a social media post, the US president said American forces had delivered “numerous perfect strikes” on terrorist camps, warning that further action would follow if attacks continued.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) later confirmed the operation, stating that the strikes were conducted in Sokoto State, near Nigeria’s border with Niger, in coordination with Nigerian authorities. According to AFRICOM’s initial assessment, multiple ISIS fighters were killed during the operation.
A separate AFRICOM statement, briefly posted and later deleted, indicated the strike was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also acknowledged Nigeria’s cooperation, thanking the government for its support.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed collaboration with the United States on airstrikes against “terrorist targets,” while reiterating the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
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Reacting to the development, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, told CNN that both countries were aligned in their counter-terrorism efforts, stressing that Nigeria and the US are united in the fight against extremism.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted violence against Christians in Nigeria in recent months, previously warning that the US could take military action if attacks continued. In November, he accused Nigeria of failing to protect religious freedom and designated the country a “Country of Particular Concern” under the US International Religious Freedom Act.
On Christmas Eve, President Tinubu, in a goodwill message, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, pledging to protect Christians, Muslims and all Nigerians from violence.
Security analysts note that Nigeria’s long-running crisis is driven by a mix of factors, including terrorism, communal clashes, ethnic tensions, and conflicts between farmers and herders, with both Christians and Muslims affected by extremist violence.
Despite previously pledging to limit overseas military engagements, Trump has, since returning to office, approved several high-profile operations, including strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and increased military pressure in other regions.
