Trump Delivers on Promise: Christmas Strikes Hit ISIS in Nigeria

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he had delivered on his promise to strike ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he described as “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The Christmas Day operation fulfilled explicit warnings the president had issued months earlier.
The military action came after Trump characterized violence against Nigerian Christians in October and November as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide.” The president had specifically warned terrorists that failure to stop the slaughter would result in “hell to pay,” a promise now fulfilled through military strikes.
Trump’s announcement detailed that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” against militants who had been systematically killing innocent Christians. He emphasized that only the United States possesses such military capabilities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the military action as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries. This collaboration involves intelligence sharing and strategic planning to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Nigerian officials made clear that their government opposes terrorist violence against all religious communities, whether Christian or Muslim.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude to Nigeria for enabling the strikes and indicated that additional operations could follow. He noted that ISIS had learned consequences on Christmas. The Pentagon released video documentation showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also stressed that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that the country maintains its commitment to religious tolerance.