Popular Nigerian comedian and actor Ime Bishop Umoh, widely known as Okon Lagos, has sparked a significant online debate after publicly applauding former US President Donald Trump for authorising military action in Nigeria.
Comedian's Christmas Praise for Trump
The controversy began on December 26, 2025, when Okon Lagos took to his Instagram page to express his support. This came just one day after Trump confirmed that the United States had conducted air strikes against terrorist targets in Sokoto, north-western Nigeria, on Christmas Day.
In his social media post, the comedian described the military intervention as the 'best Christmas gift' for Nigeria. He lavished praise on Trump, stating the former president consistently delivers on his promises. 'Trump Na Mannn abeg! Love him or h8 him, one thing is always sure. He delivers on his promises,' Okon Lagos wrote.
He extended a sarcastic Christmas greeting, saying, 'Merry Christmas Nigeria including the de*d ter**rists !!!' The comedian also directed a message to Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, urging him to sustain the offensive. 'Pls General Musa, continue from here. Since they don't want fireworks of celebration, let's give them fireworks of the abyss and hell,' he added, while thanking Trump directly.
Background of the US Military Operation
The comedian's remarks were a direct response to an announcement made by President Donald Trump on December 25, 2025. In his statement, Trump revealed that American forces had executed a 'powerful and deadly strike' against the Islamic State (ISIS) group operating in the region.
Trump labelled the group as 'terrorist scum' who were 'targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.' He further claimed the US military carried out multiple 'perfect strikes.' Following this, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the operation was conducted in cooperation with the Nigerian government, confirming the joint nature of the mission.
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
Okon Lagos' post immediately ignited a firestorm of mixed reactions from Nigerians across various social media platforms. The comments revealed a deep division in public opinion regarding the foreign military intervention.
Some users strongly supported the comedian's stance. One user, @dayoogedengbe, dismissed critics worried about resource exploitation, writing, 'Propaganda will not work this time. Nigeria will be safe again. God bless President Trump!' Another, @de_princejr, admired Trump's 'unpredictability.'
However, others criticised Okon Lagos for his position. User @emmyirab called the comedian 'quite naive', attributing it to a 'lack of self education and critical thinking.' A different perspective came from @sashavybzdirector, who lamented, 'The so called African giant country can't even carry out missile strikes on its own territory.'
Okon Lagos' Previous Political Commentary
This is not the first time the comedian has ventured into socio-political commentary. Prior to this incident, Okon Lagos penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu following the life imprisonment sentence of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
In that letter, he advocated for a political solution and clemency, drawing a comparison to the treatment of repentant terrorists in northern Nigeria who had received pardons and even roles within the security apparatus. He urged President Tinubu to apply fairness across all regions of the country.
The comedian's latest endorsement of US military action continues his pattern of engaging with national security issues, proving that his influence extends beyond the comedy stage and into the realm of public discourse.
