U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States carried out air strikes on Islamic State (ISIS) targets in North West Nigeria, citing continued attacks and killings of Christians.
Trump disclosed this late on Thursday in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist elements in North West Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” the president wrote.
He added that the strikes were carried out on Christmas Day, warning that further attacks would follow if the killings continued.
The Pentagon later released a video showing what appeared to be a missile launched from a U.S. warship, believed to be part of the operation. However, no immediate details were provided on casualties or the extent of damage from the strikes.
According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the targets were located in Sokoto State.
The development comes amid rising insecurity in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, which has battled Islamist violence for more than a decade. Terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISIS-linked factions, have continued to launch attacks, particularly in the northern parts of the country.
In recent weeks, mass abductions from churches and schools have heightened fear and unrest among residents.
Trump had earlier warned in November that Washington could intervene if attacks on Christians persisted, urging the Nigerian government to take decisive action or risk a reduction in U.S. aid.
Despite these warnings, violence has continued. On Thursday, at least five people were killed and 35 others injured in a suicide bombing in Nigeria’s North East, according to a police spokesperson.
Following the Christmas Day strikes, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was “grateful for the support and cooperation of the Nigerian government” during the operation.
The U.S. government said it would continue to work with Nigerian authorities to counter terrorism and prevent further attacks on civilians.