By The daily Torch media
The United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on December 25, 2025, The operation targeted militants in Sokoto State, with Washington saying the strikes were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
In a social media post, Trump described the strikes as a “powerful and deadly attack” against ISIS fighters whom he accused of “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” He said the operation was carried out at his direction as Commander in Chief and warned there could be “more to come.
The U.S. military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the airstrike occurred in northwest Nigeria and stated it had killed multiple ISIS militants. Although an early AFRICOM post indicated the action was taken at the request of Nigerian authorities that specific statement was later removed from social media.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism. The ministry said the collaboration had resulted in “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”
Nigerian officials also emphasized the complex nature of the country’s security challenges noting that extremist groups have carried out violence against both Muslim and Christian communities. President Bola Tinubu, in a Christmas message, called for peace and reiterated his commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of faith. [1]
The strikes mark the first major U.S. military intervention on Nigerian soil* under Trump’s current administration and come after weeks of heightened rhetoric from Washington about the situation in Nigeria.
