…As FG Confirms US ‘Precision Hits On Terrorist Targets’
President Donald Trump said on Dec. 25 that the U.S. military had attacked Islamic State targets in Nigeria, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.
In a post on Truth Social, the president said he directed the military to launch 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!”
In a post on X, the U.S. military’s Africa Command confirmed it had conducted a strike that killed multiple militants at the request of Nigerian authorities. The strike occurred in “Soboto state,” an apparent reference to Sokoto state, the post said.
Trump in recent months has made frequent references to what he called the plight of Christians in Nigeria, and his United Nations ambassador even invited pop star Nicki Minaj to address the issue at the U.N. General Assembly.
“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,” Trump continued, adding that the Pentagon conducted “numerous perfect” strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian foreign ministry confirmed the United States had launched “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes” after US President Donald Trump announced the operation against Islamic State militants.
“Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement released early on Friday.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes,” in the country’s northwest, it added.
Read the full statement below:
Nigeria–United States Security Cooperation and Intelligence Collaboration hits at terrorist targets in Nigeria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.
In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.
Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.
The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.
Abuja
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Federal Republic of Nigeria