The airstrikes were carried out on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State
Viral footage circulating on social media purports to show the United States conducting airstrikes in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night.
In the footage, explosions are seen lighting up the night sky, with the strikes reportedly targeting ISIS militants accused of killing Christians in the region. The operation has been described as decisive, with warnings that further strikes would follow if the violence continues.
According to a statement attributed to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the airstrikes were carried out on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.
The statement said the operation was conducted at the direction of the President of the United States and the US Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
US launches ‘powerful strikes’ against Islamic State in Nigeria – Trump
The report indicated that the strikes targeted ISIS terrorists operating in Nigeria.
Additionally, a report attributed to the US Department of War cited President Donald Trump as saying the military action was in response to terrorist attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
The report further quoted President Trump as warning that additional strikes would be carried out if the attacks on Christians continue.
In a statement credited to him, President Trump said, “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.
“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.
“Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper. 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.”
WATCH: Footage shows the U.S. conducting airstrikes in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night, targeting ISIS militants accused of killing Christians. The operation was described as decisive, with a warning that further strikes would follow if the violence continues. pic.twitter.com/7q9E5UPN4r
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 26, 2025
AM
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