The Nigerian government has responded after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes targeting suspected ISIS militants in Sokoto State on Christmas night.
In a statement dated December 26, 2025, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the airstrikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities as part of ongoing efforts against terrorism and extremism.
The ministry noted that Nigeria maintains structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address persistent security threats in the country.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the Northwest,” read the statement.
Nigeria Says Trump-Ordered Airstrikes Were Jointly Coordinated
According to the ministry, the cooperation between Nigeria and its partners is guided by established international practice and bilateral agreements, including intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The government stressed that all counterterrorism operations prioritise the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
Also Read: Trump Declaration of Nigeria as a Country of Concern Backed by US Senator
It added that terrorist violence targeting any community, whether Christian, Muslim, or otherwise, remains a threat to Nigeria’s values and to regional and global peace and security.
Nigeria further stated that it continues to work closely with its partners through diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening the country’s own security and intelligence capabilities.
Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it will continue to engage with relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels.
US President Vows Further Action if Attacks Against Christians Persist
The airstrike on ISIS Camps in Sokoto State, Nigeria, was conducted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) at the direction of President Donald Trump and the Secretary of War, and in close coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, stated: “U.S. Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to ongoing violence and threats against innocent lives. Our goal is to protect Americans and to disrupt violent extremist organizations wherever they are.”
In a separate statement, President Donald Trump said his administration would take a firm stance against Islamist militant groups operating in Nigeria, particularly in response to attacks on Christian communities.
Also Read: Trump Threatens War Against Nigeria After Signing a $21 Billion Deal with China
In a Christmas message, Trump stated that his administration would not allow what he described as “radical Islamic terrorism” to continue, adding that the United States would respond to ongoing violence attributed to such groups.
The airstrikes followed earlier warnings issued by the Trump administration to Islamist militant groups operating in northern Nigeria after reports of a series of attacks targeting Christian communities in the region.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
