In a dramatic Christmas Day announcement, former President Donald Trump declared that the United States military had executed a series of deadly airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria.
A Christmas Warning to Militants
The announcement was made via the former president's Truth Social platform on the evening of 25 December 2025. Trump stated the action was a direct response to the militant group's alleged targeting and killing of innocent Christians, which he claimed had reached historic levels.
"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria," Trump wrote. He emphasised that he had previously warned the group to cease its violence, stating, "if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was."
'Merry Christmas to Dead Terrorists'
In a characteristically provocative sign-off, the former president extended seasonal greetings with a stark threat. "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," the post concluded.
Trump has repeatedly singled out Nigeria in the past for what he describes as the killing of Christians by "radical Islamists." Victims and church leaders in the region have supported claims of religious persecution, detailing a long history of attacks, kidnappings, and killings motivated by faith.
A Complex Conflict Beyond Sectarian Lines
However, analysts and local residents caution that the situation is far more complex. While sectarian violence is a component, experts argue that most attacks are part of a widespread and protracted security crisis that has plagued the West African nation for years.
This crisis, involving multiple armed groups, criminality, and resource conflicts, makes virtually everyone a potential victim, irrespective of religious background or belief. The US military intervention, announced on a major holiday, marks a significant escalation in international involvement in Nigeria's ongoing instability.
This remains a developing news story, and further updates are expected.
