U.S. Airstrikes Target ISIS Camps in Nigeria Amid Rising Anti-Christian Violence
Washington, D.C. – In a bold escalation of counterterrorism efforts, the United States launched precision airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025, at the direction of President Donald Trump. The operation, conducted at the request of the Nigerian government, targeted ISIS camps in Sokoto State and resulted in multiple militant fatalities, according to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).[1][2]
President Trump announced the strikes in a fiery post on Truth Social, describing them as a “powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” The President’s statement framed the action as a direct response to intensified attacks on Christian communities in the region.[1][2]
Details of the Military Operation
The strikes were executed by a U.S. Navy warship stationed in the Gulf of Guinea, which fired over a dozen Tomahawk missiles at two ISIS camps in Sokoto State. AFRICOM confirmed the operation was coordinated with Nigerian authorities, emphasizing structured security cooperation including intelligence sharing.[1][2][3]
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the narrative in a post on X, thanking Nigeria for its “support and cooperation” and hinting at future actions with the words “More to come…” Initial U.S. assessments indicate the strikes achieved their objectives, neutralizing key threats without reported civilian casualties.[1]
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum…” – President Donald Trump, Truth Social[2]
Nigeria’s Response and Ongoing Jihadist Threat
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the strikes, describing them as “precision hits” and reaffirming the country’s commitment to partnering with international allies like the United States to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Nigeria has battled jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-linked splinters for years, particularly in the northeast, though recent violence has spilled into the northwest.[1][3]
This operation marks a significant U.S. military involvement in Nigeria’s security crisis. In November 2025, AFRICOM had drafted plans for such strikes following reports of escalating militant activity. The focus on Sokoto, where over 90% of the population is Muslim, has sparked analysis questioning the precise alignment between stated goals of protecting Christians and the demographics of the targeted area, as ISIS’s primary bases remain in the northeast.[1]
Context of Violence Against Christians
The strikes come amid reports of heightened persecution of Christians by ISIS affiliates in Nigeria. Trump highlighted attacks that he claimed echoed levels unseen for centuries, tying the U.S. response to defending vulnerable religious minorities. This aligns with broader U.S. concerns over the Sahel region’s instability, where jihadist groups exploit weak governance and ethnic tensions.[1][2]
Nigeria’s northwest has seen a surge in banditry and Islamist insurgency, complicating the government’s multi-front war on terror. The U.S. action underscores a renewed focus under the Trump administration on direct intervention against groups designated as terrorist threats, particularly those targeting religious communities.[3]
International Implications
The operation has drawn global attention, with media outlets like The Economic Times and Hindustan Times covering Trump’s unfiltered rhetoric and the Pentagon’s follow-up. Nigeria’s first official reaction has been measured and supportive, stunning some observers who anticipated more reservation from Abuja.[2][3]
Analysts note this could signal a pattern of U.S. strikes in Africa, building on precedents like the 2020 Nigeria hostage rescue. As Trump warned of potential further action, questions linger about long-term strategy: Will these precision hits degrade ISIS capabilities, or merely displace them? Nigerian authorities report ongoing engagement with U.S. partners, suggesting sustained collaboration.[1]
Broader U.S. Africa Policy
Under President Trump, U.S. Africa Command has pivoted toward proactive measures against ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates. The Nigeria strikes highlight this shift, prioritizing threats to allies and minorities. Hegseth’s vow of more to come implies a sustained campaign, potentially involving additional assets beyond naval launches.[1][2]
Critics may point to the Muslim-majority strike zone as a mismatch with the Christian-protection rationale, but U.S. officials maintain the targets were verified ISIS positions linked to cross-regional attacks. Nigeria’s endorsement lends credibility to the operation’s legitimacy.[1]
As the dust settles in Sokoto, the world watches for ISIS retaliation and Nigeria’s next moves. This unprecedented U.S. strike in northwest Nigeria not only disrupts terrorist networks but also reasserts American resolve in Africa’s volatile security landscape.