US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States worked in close coordination with the Nigerian government to carry out airstrikes against ISIS targets in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, describing the operation as a decisive blow against the terror group.
Speaking on Thursday at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., Trump said the strikes were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities and aimed at weakening ISIS fighters accused of attacking Christian communities in northern Nigeria. He stressed that the operation was carried out with deliberate timing and overwhelming force.
“On Christmas Day, in close coordination with the government of Nigeria, we worked with them, but they’ve got to get tougher,” Trump said. He explained that the strikes were intended to “decimate the ISIS terrorists who have been slaughtering Christians in that country by the thousands.”
Trump revealed that he personally ordered the operation to take place on December 25, rejecting alternative dates to send what he described as a strong and symbolic message. According to him, the decision to strike on Christmas Day was deliberate and strategic.
“We hit them so hard they still don’t know what the hell happened,” he said. “We were going to do it on a different day. I said no, do it on Christmas. So they understand it.”
The US President added that he gave direct instructions to senior defence officials to execute the mission precisely on Christmas Day, noting that further strikes were carried out afterwards to sustain pressure on the militant group.
“I specifically told Pete, hit them on Christmas Day, not earlier and not later. And man, did he hit them. So then we hit them again recently. We hit them again pretty hard,” Trump stated.
The US Department of Defense later confirmed that the airstrikes, carried out at Nigeria’s request, resulted in the killing of multiple ISIS fighters operating in northwestern Nigeria. Trump had earlier announced on December 26 that “powerful and deadly” strikes were launched against Islamic State militants following repeated attacks on Christian communities.
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The disclosure came during the annual National Prayer Breakfast, a high-profile gathering of political and religious leaders from around the world. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Trump publicly acknowledged Mrs. Tinubu during his address, describing her as a highly respected figure and noting her role as a Christian pastor in one of Nigeria’s largest churches. His remarks drew applause from the audience.
“We are honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria, a very respected woman,” Trump said. “Thank you very much, it’s a great honour.”
The confirmation of US involvement underscores growing security cooperation between Washington and Abuja as Nigeria continues to battle terrorism and insurgency in its northern regions.
