The United States has launched airstrikes in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s earlier warnings of escalating military action in response to alleged killings of Christians in the country.
The information posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform was confirmed by the Nigerian government on Friday, 26th December, 2025.
The U.S. airstrikes were directed at areas believed to be strongholds of Islamist insurgents, whom Trump accused of perpetrating “mass slaughter” against Christians.
The airstrikes targeted ISIS terrorists in Sokoto, one of Nigeria’s Northwest states.
The US President described the strikes as a powerful and deadly response adding, “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.”
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs framed the action as part of broader security cooperation and intelligence collaboration with the US.
The ministry further noted ongoing efforts with international partners to combat terrorism and violent extremism, confirming the precision hit on terrorist targets in the northwest through the joint airstrikes.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strikes were conducted spanning a direction from the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
AFRICOM specified the operation targeted ISIS in Sokoto State on Christmas Day.Meanwhile, potential further actions are anticipated.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth posted on X, expressing gratitude for Nigerian support while warning of more to come.