United States President Donald Trump has publicly declared that American military forces executed "deadly airstrikes" against Islamic State (ISIS) militants operating in Northwestern Nigeria. In a provocative statement, he extended a "Merry Christmas" greeting to the neutralized terrorists.
Trump's Social Media Declaration and Nigerian Confirmation
The announcement was made by President Trump via his Truth Social platform on the night of Thursday, December 26, 2025. He asserted that the operation was conducted under his direct orders as Commander in Chief. "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria," he wrote. He added, "Merry Christmas to all, including the dead Terrorists," while cautioning that further actions would be taken if attacks on civilians persisted.
In response, the Nigerian Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the incident on Friday. Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stated that the airstrikes were a product of ongoing security and intelligence collaboration between Nigeria and the United States. The ministry emphasized that this partnership includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and support, culminating in precision strikes on terrorist targets in the North West region.
Context of the Strikes and Broader Security Measures
The military action occurred against a grim backdrop. It took place just one day after a suspected suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which resulted in five fatalities and multiple injuries. This event underscored the persistent threat of terrorism in the area.
The Foreign Affairs ministry's statement stressed that all counter-terrorism operations adhere to international law, respect Nigeria's sovereignty, and prioritize the protection of civilian lives. "Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity," the release read. It further condemned terrorist violence as an affront to national values and international peace.
In a show of solidarity, United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged Nigeria's cooperation in the operation in a separate social media post, thanking the Nigerian government for its support.
Amidst Cooperation, Travel Restrictions Loom
This development in security collaboration comes weeks after the Trump administration unveiled significant new travel restrictions targeting Nigerian citizens. In early December, citing security concerns and vetting challenges, the US announced entry bans for Nigerians seeking admission as green card holders or on several non-immigrant visas, including:
- B-1 (business)
- B-2 (tourism)
- F (academic studies)
- M (vocational studies)
- J (exchange programs)
The proclamation, which also affects 14 other countries, is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Nigeria remains committed to working with international partners through diplomatic and security channels to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their financing, and counter cross-border threats, promising to keep the public informed through official communications.
