United States President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to terrorists operating in Nigeria, saying further military action will follow if the killing of Christians continues.
The warning comes after confirmed U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) elements in Nigeria’s North-West region.
Trump disclosed that he personally authorised the military operation, describing it as a direct response to what he said were sustained attacks on Christian communities.
According to him, the strikes were carried out after previous warnings to the group went unheeded.
“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.
The U.S. president said the operation was meant to send a strong message to terrorist groups that the continued targeting of religious communities would not be tolerated. He noted that the latest strikes followed earlier threats of severe consequences.
“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he added.
Trump also praised the execution of the operation, stressing America’s determination to confront extremist groups wherever they operate. He said the strikes demonstrated the capacity and resolve of the U.S. military.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper,” he stated.
In a message released during the Christmas period, Trump warned that more attacks would be carried out if the killings persist. He described the strikes as a necessary response and hinted at sustained military pressure.
“May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists—of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” he said.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also reacted to the development, describing the strikes as a clear signal to ISIS and similar groups. He acknowledged the role of Nigerian authorities in supporting the operation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” Hegseth wrote. “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight—on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command confirmed that several ISIS fighters were killed during the operation. The strikes were said to have taken place in Sokoto State, in coordination with Nigerian security agencies.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” the command said.