United States President Donald Trump has claimed that the US military carried out air strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Nigeria, saying the action was taken to stop attacks on Christians. Trump made the claim on Thursday in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
According to Trump, the strikes targeted what he described as ISIS elements operating in northwest Nigeria. He accused the group of targeting and killing Christians and said the United States would continue to act if such attacks did not stop. Trump said the strikes were ordered by him as commander in chief and carried out by the US military.
“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 added that the attacks were meant to punish the group for what he called the killing of innocent Christians.
Trump also warned that more strikes would follow if the violence continued. He praised the US military and said the operation showed America’s strength against what he described as radical Islamic terrorism.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from the US Department of Defense or the Nigerian government that such strikes took place on Nigerian soil. Nigerian security agencies have also not released any statement confirming foreign military action within the country.
The announcement has raised serious questions in Nigeria, where issues of sovereignty and foreign military involvement are sensitive. Nigeria has long worked with international partners, including the United States, on training, intelligence sharing, and equipment to fight terrorism. However, direct US military strikes inside Nigeria would mark a major change in that relationship.
US officials have also been silent on the claim. In the past, US military actions in Africa, especially air strikes, have usually been announced through official channels, such as the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). No such announcement had been made at the time of this report.
Nigeria has faced terrorism and armed violence for over a decade. Groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have carried out attacks mainly in the North East, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. In recent years, banditry and kidnappings have also spread across the North West and North Central regions.
ISWAP is an offshoot of Boko Haram and is linked to the global Islamic State network. The group has mostly operated around the Lake Chad region. While there have been attacks on both Muslims and Christians, the conflict is complex and driven by many factors, including poverty, weak security, and local disputes.
Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria have reported attacks by armed groups, especially in rural areas. These attacks are often linked to banditry, land disputes, and communal tensions, rather than only religious reasons. Nigerian authorities have repeatedly said the violence should not be seen purely as a religious war.
Religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, have called for calm and unity, warning that framing the crisis only in religious terms could worsen tensions.
Trump has spoken about Nigerian Christians several times in recent months. In November, he said he had asked his defense secretary to prepare for possible action to protect Christians in Nigeria. He also warned that the US could take strong military steps if the killings continued.
These statements came as Trump increased his focus on religious freedom issues during his political activities. He has often used strong language when discussing terrorism and has promised tough action against extremist groups.
During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, the US increased its counterterrorism operations in Africa, including air strikes in Somalia and support for local forces in the Sahel. However, Nigeria has largely handled its internal security operations with support rather than direct intervention.
If confirmed, US air strikes in Nigeria could raise concerns about national sovereignty and regional stability. Experts say such actions could also affect relations with neighboring countries and armed groups.
“There is a risk that foreign military action, if not well coordinated, could complicate Nigeria’s security efforts,” said a regional affairs expert. “It could also be used by extremist groups as propaganda.”
For now, Nigerians are waiting for official clarification from both Abuja and Washington. The Federal Government is expected to address the issue if the claims persist, especially given the strong public interest and possible security implications.