U.S. Military Strikes Islamic State Targets in Nigeria on Christmas

By Jim Thomas | Thursday, December 25, 2025, 10:46 PM EST

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Thursday night that U.S. forces conducted strikes against Islamic State group targets in Nigeria on Christmas, confirming military action after President Donald Trump warned that continued killings of Christians would trigger direct American intervention.

“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth posted on X. “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come … Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”

Hegseth’s statement followed Trump’s assertion that the United States had launched a strike against ISIS militants operating in northwest Nigeria. In a statement, Trump wrote: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched 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!”

Trump has repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist violence and warned that U.S. military action was imminent if conditions did not change. He added: “Yes sir. The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria, and anywhere, must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

U.S. Africa Command later confirmed that the strike was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. In a now-deleted statement on X, the command said it had “conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists.” The command stated: “Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad.”

Neither Hegseth nor Trump provided details about the strike, including the weapons used or the extent of damage.

Islamic State affiliates have expanded operations in parts of Nigeria in recent years, carrying out attacks against civilians, security forces, and religious communities. Violence against Christians has drawn increased attention from religious freedom advocates and U.S. officials.