Christmas Day Strike: 5 Key Facts as Trump Confirms U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States coordinated with the Nigerian government to carry out air strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day 2025.

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Mr. Trump said the joint operation was conducted in “close coordination” with Nigerian authorities and was deliberately timed for December 25. He described the strikes as aimed at degrading ISIS fighters accused of targeting civilians in the region.

Trump told the audience that he ordered the U.S. military to launch “powerful air strikes to decimate the ISIS terrorists,” and insisted that the Christmas timing was intentional to send a “strong message” to the militant group. He also noted that additional strikes were carried out after the initial Christmas operation.

According to statements from the U.S. Department of Defense, the December 25 operation resulted in the deaths of “multiple ISIS terrorists,” and was carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities as part of broader counter-terrorism cooperation. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) characterized the mission as a precision strike against militants in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Position and Cooperation

The Nigerian government issued statements acknowledging security cooperation with the United States and emphasized the role of structured intelligence sharing and operational collaboration in addressing terrorism and violent extremism. Abuja stressed that such cooperation respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.

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Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and other Nigerian officials also publicly confirmed that Nigerian forces provided intelligence and that President Bola Tinubu gave approval for the strikes in support of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. The strikes aimed to disrupt militant activity and reinforce broader security operations in the region.

Context of the Strikes

U.S. military action in Nigeria followed weeks of public pressure from Trump, who had repeatedly warned extremist groups to halt violence against civilians. In December 2025, the President had instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible operations in Nigeria, framing the issue as a response to escalating attacks by ISIS-linked militants in the country’s northwest.

The Christmas Day strikes marked a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in West Africa and underscored improved military coordination between the United States and Nigeria. Nigerian forces have long been engaged in a multifaceted campaign against Islamist militant groups and other armed factions across the country.

Security Situation Remains Complex

Experts and analysts note that the militant threat in northwest Nigeria remains dynamic, with groups associated with the Islamic State and other armed actors continuing to pose security challenges. While the strikes were intended to degrade extremist capabilities, observers say sustained efforts from both Nigerian forces and international partners will be necessary to address the broader insurgency.