The United States Government has threatened more attacks against terrorists operating in and around Nigeria.
This came as the US Department of War released a video indicating that Thursday’s attack on Islamic State terrorists in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria, was launched from a warship.
The video showed at least one projectile launched from a US warship but gave no indication as to where the warship is operating from.
Following the airstrikes, both US President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared that more was to come.
Trump had broken news of the Sokoto airstrikes on Thursday night, writing on his Truth Social platform: “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!”
He further wrote: “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.”
Hinting on more attacks to come, Trump wrote: “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.”
In a similar vein, Hegseth said in a post on X: “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come…Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government on Friday, December 26, 2025, opened up on the US airstrikes, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying in a statement that the airstrikes were launched as part of efforts to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said in the statement: “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 North West.”
“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.
“The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.”
