Donald Trump
Ola Wale
US President Donald Trump announced that the US military launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, citing the group’s alleged persecution of Christians. The strikes, carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, targeted camps in Sokoto state, where ISIS militants were reportedly based.
Trump stated that the operation was a response to the group’s “vicious killing” of Christians, warning that there would be “hell to pay” if the attacks continued. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strikes, saying multiple ISIS terrorists were killed.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu had given the go-ahead for the operation, with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar emphasizing that the fight against terrorism is not driven by religion. The Nigerian government acknowledged the strikes, stating they were part of ongoing security cooperation with the US.
The airstrikes have sparked debate, with some critics arguing that Trump’s framing of the issue as attacks on Christians oversimplifies the complex situation in Nigeria. Experts note that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of radical Islamist attacks, and the violence is driven by various factors, including poverty and regional inequality.
According to reports, over 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in 2025, with many more abducted. However, data also shows that Muslims have been disproportionately affected by attacks in public spaces.
The US has not ruled out further strikes, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying “more to come”. The situation in Nigeria remains complex, with various jihadist groups operating in the region.
