Nigeria Christmas Strikes: Trump Fulfills Existential Threat Warning

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that American forces had conducted Christmas strikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he described as “terrorist scum” attacking Christian populations. The operation fulfilled the president’s warnings about responding to existential threats.
The military action came after Trump characterized violence against Nigerian Christians in October and November as an “existential threat” approaching genocidal proportions. The president had made clear that continued attacks would provoke American military intervention, a commitment realized through strikes.
Trump detailed that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” against militants who had been systematically killing innocent Christians. He emphasized that only the United States possesses such military capabilities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the military action as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two nations. This collaboration involves intelligence sharing and strategic planning to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Nigerian officials made clear that their government opposes terrorist violence against all religious communities, whether Christian or Muslim.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed appreciation for Nigerian cooperation in enabling the strikes. He indicated that additional operations could follow, noting that ISIS had learned consequences on Christmas. The Pentagon released video documentation showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that the country is committed to working with international partners while ensuring religious freedom for all its citizens.