On Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, framing the action as a response to the killing of Christians. The strike, which targeted ISIS fighters in Sokoto State, was carried out with Nigerian cooperation and highlights the ongoing debate over religious persecution in the region.
Trump made the announcement via his Truth Social platform, stating that the ‘powerful and deadly strike’ was directed against ‘ISIS Terrorist Scum’ who had ‘targeted and viciously’ killed ‘primarily, innocent Christians.’ He emphasized that this was a follow-through on previous warnings to stop the slaughter. The U.S. military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the operation, noting it was conducted ‘at the request of Nigerian authorities’ and resulted in the deaths of ‘multiple ISIS terrorists.’
The airstrike comes amid escalating tensions over Trump’s claims that Christians in Nigeria face systematic persecution. For weeks, the U.S. president has accused Nigeria of failing to protect its Christian community, threatening military action and placing the country on a watch list for religious freedom violations. In November, Trump ordered the Pentagon to plan potential interventions, citing what he called an ‘existential threat’ to Christianity in Nigeria.
Nigerian authorities have consistently pushed back against these assertions. Government officials and experts argue that the violence in Nigeria, often driven by groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates, affects both Muslim and Christian communities. They stress that the country’s constitution guarantees religious freedom and that security forces are working to combat terrorism impartially. Following the strike, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed ‘structured security cooperation’ with international partners, including the U.S., to address terrorism.
Initial reports from the ground indicate that the airstrike caused no civilian casualties, with images circulating on social media showing missile fragments in Sokoto State. Al Jazeera correspondent Ahmed Idris noted that Sokoto is predominantly Muslim and has not been a focal point for attacks on Christians, suggesting the strike’s location may be strategic rather than directly linked to Christian persecution. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted at ‘more to come,’ signaling potential further military actions.
The operation has significant implications for U.S.-Nigeria relations and regional stability. While it demonstrates continued U.S. involvement in African counterterrorism efforts, it also risks exacerbating diplomatic friction. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has expressed willingness to collaborate but rejects characterizations of religious bias in the conflict. The strike on Christmas Day is perceived by some analysts as a symbolic move to resonate with Trump’s evangelical Christian supporters in the U.S.
Looking ahead, the situation remains fluid. The U.S. and Nigeria are likely to continue their security partnership, but with underlying tensions over narrative and strategy. Future strikes or diplomatic maneuvers will depend on intelligence assessments and the evolving security landscape in Nigeria’s northwest. As both nations navigate this complex issue, the broader question of how to effectively address terrorism without inflaming religious divisions remains central.
