Intelligence Sharing Enables US Strikes on ISIS in Northwest Nigeria

President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The operation was enabled through intelligence sharing between the United States and Nigerian governments.
The strikes followed Trump’s warnings issued in October and November when he described the situation as an “existential threat” and potential “genocide” against Nigerian Christians. The president had threatened military intervention if violence persisted, warnings that culminated in military action conducted on Christmas Day.
Trump’s statement detailed that the Department of War executed precision strikes against militants engaged in the systematic killing of innocent Christians. He emphasized American military capabilities and his administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward radical Islamic terrorism. The president praised the operation’s effectiveness.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed the military action as part of established security cooperation with the United States. This collaboration specifically involves intelligence sharing and strategic coordination aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism. Nigerian officials made clear that terrorist violence against any religious community represents an affront to the country’s values.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation and support in conducting the strikes. He indicated that additional operations could follow, noting that ISIS had learned a lesson on Christmas. The Pentagon released video documentation showing projectiles launching from warships. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has participated in the security cooperation, he has also emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths and that characterizations of religious intolerance do not reflect the country’s actual commitment to protecting all religious groups.