United States President Donald Trump has revealed that Washington partnered closely with the Nigerian government to execute air strikes against Islamic State militants in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. He made the disclosure during his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, where he described the operation as a coordinated effort aimed at weakening ISIS cells responsible for violent attacks in parts of Nigeria.
Trump said he directed the strikes as a response to ongoing extremist violence, explaining that the action was carried out “in close coordination with the government of Nigeria.” He emphasised that the timing on December 25 was intentional and symbolically significant. According to him, American forces deployed overwhelming firepower in support of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism objectives.
The United States Africa Command had previously confirmed the Christmas Day operation, noting that it was authorised at the request of the Nigerian government and resulted in the elimination of several ISIS fighters. Nigerian defence authorities also confirmed the collaboration, stressing that the strikes were conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and formed part of long-standing security cooperation between both countries.
Trump’s comments reflect the administration’s position that ISIS-linked groups in Nigeria have increasingly targeted civilians and security personnel. His earlier warnings to extremist groups to desist from attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria were reiterated in his address, although analysts have noted that Nigeria’s insurgency affects diverse populations across religious and ethnic lines.
At the prayer breakfast, Trump also acknowledged the presence of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a highly respected figure. The event included several high-level political and diplomatic guests.
The Christmas Day strikes mark one of the most direct joint counterterrorism actions between Nigeria and the United States in recent years, highlighting the evolving security partnership between the two nations.
