Trump Orders Strikes Against ISIS in Nigeria Amid Christian Persecution Concerns

In a decisive move, President Trump has ordered US military strikes against ISIS in Nigeria, responding to the ongoing persecution of Christians in the region. This action follows weeks of criticism aimed at the Nigerian government for its failure to protect its citizens from extremist violence. The US Africa Command confirmed that the strikes were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities, resulting in the deaths of multiple ISIS fighters. As tensions rise, the US continues to emphasize its commitment to combating terrorism and supporting Nigeria in its fight against extremist groups. This article delves into the implications of these military actions and the broader context of religious violence in Nigeria.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 26, 2025, 10:43 IST

US Military Action Against ISIS in Nigeria

West Palm Beach (US): On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a significant military strike against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, following weeks of criticism directed at the Nigerian government for its inability to address the persecution of Christians.

In a post shared on his social media platform on Christmas night, Trump did not elaborate on the specifics or the impact of the strikes. However, the US Africa Command confirmed via X that the operations were conducted at the request of Nigerian officials in Soboto State, resulting in the deaths of several ISIS fighters.

Trump stated, "Tonight, under my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States executed a powerful and lethal strike against ISIS terrorists in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and brutally killing innocent Christians at unprecedented levels, even for centuries!"

A Defense Department official, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive information, revealed that the US collaborated with Nigeria to execute these strikes, which received approval from the Nigerian government.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this cooperation involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, adhering to international law and mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.

"Any form of terrorist violence, whether aimed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, is an affront to Nigeria's values and to international peace and security," the ministry stated.

In response to Trump's earlier criticisms, Nigeria's government has pointed out that individuals of various faiths have been victims of extremist violence.

Last month, Trump instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria to combat the persecution of Christians. The State Department recently announced visa restrictions for Nigerians and their families involved in mass violence against Christians.

Additionally, the US has designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act.

Trump remarked, "I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not cease the slaughter of Christians, there would be consequences, and tonight, there were." He noted that US defense officials had executed "numerous precise strikes, as only the United States can do," asserting that "our country will not permit Radical Islamic Terrorism to thrive."

The US Africa Command reiterated on X that these lethal strikes against ISIS showcase the strength of the US military and its commitment to eliminating terrorist threats both domestically and internationally.

Nigeria, home to approximately 220 million people, has a nearly equal distribution of Christians and Muslims. The nation has long grappled with insecurity from various sources, including the Boko Haram extremist group, which aims to impose its radical interpretation of Islamic law and has also targeted Muslims it considers insufficiently Islamic.

However, attacks in Nigeria often stem from diverse motives, including religiously motivated violence against both Christians and Muslims, conflicts between farmers and herders over scarce resources, communal disputes, secessionist movements, and ethnic tensions.

The US military presence in Africa has diminished, with many partnerships either reduced or terminated. Any military intervention in Nigeria would likely require drawing forces from other regions.

Despite this, Trump has maintained pressure on Nigeria, which has experienced a series of attacks on schools and churches, with violence experts and residents indicating that both Christians and Muslims are targeted.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tweeted on Thursday night: "The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must stop."

Hegseth added that US military forces are "always prepared, as ISIS discovered tonight—on Christmas" and concluded with, "More to come... Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation" before signing off with, "Merry Christmas!"