Trump orders strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria over violence against Christians

"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement that the strikes killed multiple "ISIS terrorists."

"Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad," it said.

Trump also referenced a statement he made in November, in which he warned that the United States would use military force if Nigeria failed to take action to halt violence against Christians.

In his post, Donald Trump said he had previously warned the militants to stop the attacks, adding that consequences would follow if the violence continued, and that those consequences had now been carried out.

Trump's threats toward Nigeria

On November 1, Donald Trump said the United States could launch a military intervention in Nigeria, warning that any such action would be "swift and brutal."

Trump stated that if the Nigerian government continued to "allow the killing of Christians," Washington would immediately cut assistance and support and could take additional steps.

A day earlier, the US leader said that Christianity in Nigeria was under threat, adding that the United States viewed the country as one of "particular concern." Citing figures in his post, Trump claimed that 3,100 Christians had been killed in Nigeria and said urgent action was required.

Christians in Nigeria face one of the most severe waves of persecution globally. According to the European Parliament, nearly 17,000 Christians were killed in targeted attacks between 2019 and 2023, while more than 7,000 reportedly lost their lives in the first seven months of 2025 alone.