Washington, December 25

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces carried out a series of targeted airstrikes against terrorist fighters operating in northwest Nigeria, alleging that the militants were responsible for large scale killings of Christians in the region.

In a statement released on Christmas Day, Trump said the operation was authorized by him in his role as Commander in Chief and focused on fighters he described as linked to the Islamic State group. The areas mentioned have endured prolonged violence, banditry, and insurgent attacks over several years.

According to Trump, the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.” He added that he had earlier warned the groups to halt the attacks or face military action.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria,” Trump said. “I previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughter of Christians, there would be consequences, and tonight there were.”

Claims of Precision Strikes

Trump said the strikes were carried out by what he referred to as the U.S. Department of War, describing them as precise and successful. He asserted that the operation sent a clear message that the United States would not tolerate what he called radical Islamic terrorism.

“May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists,” Trump added.

However, the U.S. Department of Defense did not immediately issue a separate public statement detailing the operation, and no independent confirmation of casualties or targets was provided at the time of Trump’s remarks.

Nigerian Government Confirms Strikes, Withholds Details

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s federal government acknowledged that airstrikes had taken place in parts of the country’s north. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the strikes occurred in areas affected by insecurity, although officials did not disclose the scale of the operation or clarify the level of Nigerian involvement.

Security analysts contacted by Punch noted that northwest Nigeria has faced increasing attacks from armed groups, including bandits and extremist factions, but stressed that claims of foreign military action typically require verification through official military channels.

The region, including parts of Sokoto State, has struggled with persistent violence that has displaced communities and strained local security forces. Nigerian authorities have repeatedly said they are working with international partners to address the threat, while maintaining that the country’s sovereignty remains paramount.

As of press time, further details from both Washington and Abuja were still awaited.