The United States has conducted a series of military airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria, marking a significant escalation of international involvement in the region's conflict.
Strikes Authorised by President Trump
Announcing the intervention on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Thursday 25 December 2025, US President Donald Trump stated he had directed the action. He described the strikes as "powerful and deadly" and targeted at "ISIS Terrorist Scum" in Nigeria's Soboto state. The president claimed the militants had been "viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries."
A US official, speaking to the Reuters news agency, confirmed the operation and stated it was carried out at the formal request of Nigerian authorities. The same source reported that the action resulted in multiple militant casualties.
Background and Justification
In his statement, President Trump referenced previous warnings issued to the terrorist group. "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," he wrote. He praised the execution of the mission, stating, "The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing."
This military action follows a directive from President Trump last month, where he ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential operations in Nigeria. This move came in response to persistent and alarming reports of widespread violence and persecution targeting Christian communities in areas where Islamic State affiliates are active.
Strategic Implications and Future Policy
The airstrikes represent a clear application of the Trump administration's stated foreign policy approach towards radical Islamist groups. Concluding his announcement, the President asserted, "Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper."
The decision to engage directly highlights growing international concern over the stability of Nigeria's northern regions and the expanding influence of ISIS-affiliated factions beyond their traditional strongholds in the Middle East. The collaboration with Nigerian forces suggests a coordinated effort to degrade the militant group's capabilities in the region. The situation remains fluid, and further details on the operation's scope and long-term strategic goals are anticipated.
