President Trump said the United States launched a “powerful and deadly” strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, following weeks of criticism of the Nigerian government over attacks targeting Christians.
In a Christmas evening post on Truth Social, Trump said the strikes hit Islamic State militants in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto state, but did not provide operational details. A Defense Department official said the U.S. coordinated with Nigeria and that the strikes were approved by Abuja.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the operation involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination “consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.” Trump said the airstrikes targeted Islamic State militants “who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”
Last month, Trump ordered the Pentagon to begin planning potential military action in Nigeria to address Christian persecution. The State Department recently announced visa restrictions for Nigerians and their family members involved in killing Christians, and the U.S. designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.
