‘Powerful and Deadly’: US Hits ISIS Camps in Nigeria, Abuja Confirms Cooperation

The United States has carried out precision airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria as part of a counter-terrorism operation, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, citing continued attacks and killings of civilians, particularly Christians.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the strikes were ordered in response to what he described as sustained and brutal violence by ISIS-linked militants. He claimed the group had ignored repeated warnings from the US administration.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote, adding that the militants had been “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” He said the operation involved multiple precision strikes carried out by US forces and warned that further violence would invite stronger retaliation.

The White House defended the action, stating that the strikes were aimed at preventing further civilian casualties and countering extremist threats. A White House official said the United States would “act decisively against terrorist organisations that target civilians on the basis of religion” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working with partner nations to deny terror groups safe havens.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a separate social media post, indicated that the operation was carried out with the knowledge and cooperation of Nigerian authorities. He thanked the Nigerian government for its support and said the US remained prepared to respond to threats posed by ISIS and similar groups.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed structured security cooperation with the United States, acknowledging that joint efforts had resulted in precision strikes on terrorist targets in the country’s northwest.

In an official press release issued from Abuja, the ministry said Nigeria remains engaged with international partners, including the US, to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. It stated that the cooperation involved intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and support consistent with international law and mutual respect for sovereignty.

The ministry stressed that all counter-terrorism actions are guided by the need to protect civilian lives and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. “Terrorist violence in any form—whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities—remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the statement said.

The Nigerian government also noted that it continues to work through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening domestic security and intelligence capabilities.

Neither the US nor Nigerian authorities have disclosed specific operational details or casualty figures related to the strikes.

Trump has repeatedly raised concerns over violence against Christians in Nigeria in recent months and had earlier warned of possible US military action if attacks continued. He has also designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under US religious freedom laws.

Meanwhile, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a Christmas Eve message, reiterated his commitment to religious freedom and national unity, pledging to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 230 million people, has long faced security challenges linked to insurgency, banditry, and extremist violence, particularly in its northern regions.

Also Read: Trump Defends Associates in Epstein Files, Calls Release a 'Distraction' from Republican Successes