By Barth Ikiebe
United States President Donald Trump has said he ordered a military strike against Islamic State (ISIS) militants operating in north-western Nigeria, accusing the group of carrying out attacks against Christians in the country.
Trump made the claim on Thursday, Christmas Day in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he said he had authorised what he described as a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS elements in the region.
Confirming the operation, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strike was conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities and resulted in the killing of several militants in Sokoto State, which shares a border with Niger Republic.
In his statement, Trump warned extremist groups against further violence, particularly against Christian communities, and praised the US military for executing what he called successful operations.
He added that the strikes demonstrated his administration’s resolve to prevent what he described as the spread of radical Islamic terrorism.
Trump, who is spending the Christmas holiday at his Palm Beach estate in Florida, concluded his message with seasonal greetings and remarks directed at the US armed forces.
Separately, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth acknowledged the operation in a social media post, expressing appreciation for the cooperation of the Nigerian government.
The US President has repeatedly drawn attention to the security situation facing Christians in Nigeria in recent months.
In November, he reportedly instructed the US Department of Defense to prepare for possible action, warning that the United States could intervene militarily if attacks continued.
On Christmas Eve, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a Christmas goodwill message, extending greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom and the protection of all citizens, regardless of faith.
Earlier in the year, Trump accused Nigeria of failing to adequately protect religious freedom, describing the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the US International Religious Freedom Act.
The designation suggests allegations of systematic and ongoing violations of religious liberty.
Security experts, however, note that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of attacks by extremist groups in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 230 million people.
