U.S. Conducts Christmas-Night Airstrikes Against ISIS in Northwest Nigeria Targeting Anti-Christian Militants
On December 25, 2025, the U.S. launched airstrikes on ISIS militants in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria. These strikes were ordered by President Donald Trump and carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, confirmed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The operation targeted ISIS terrorists accused of committing acts of violence against Christians, including attacks on Christian individuals and institutions such as the Eruku church and St. Mary's School abductions in Niger State. President Trump described the strikes as decisive and warned that more strikes would follow if violence against Christians continued.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz praised the President's actions in a Christmas message emphasizing the administration's commitment to defending Christians abroad. In addition, the administration introduced a new visa-restriction policy under the Immigration and Nationality Act denying visas to individuals involved in violations of religious freedom, potentially extending restrictions to immediate family members.
These actions respond to a surge in anti-Christian violence in Nigeria. However, Nigerian authorities dispute the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern regarding religious freedom. Prior to the strikes, President Trump had issued warnings of potential "guns-a-blazing" actions in Nigeria, signaling a more aggressive stance which culminated in this Christmas-night military action.
