‘Merry Christmas to all, including…’: US releases footage of strikes against ISIS in Nigeria for ‘viciously killing Christians’- WATCH

The US Department of War on Thursday released a video showing airstrikes carried out against ISIS fighters in northeast Nigeria. The footage shows a missile being fired from an aircraft carrier. The video was released after US President Doland Trump announced that the United States had carried out a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS, calling the militants “terrorist scum”.

This was the first US military attack in Nigeria during Trump’s presidency. It came months after Trump strongly criticised Nigeria in October and November, when he said Christians in the country were facing a serious threat and described the situation as similar to “genocide” amid ongoing violence and armed conflicts.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the strikes were carried out on his orders as Commander-in-Chief and were aimed at ISIS fighters. He claimed the group had been attacking and killing innocent people, especially Christians, at levels not seen for many years. Trump also said the US Department of War carried out several “perfect strikes” and claimed that only the United States had the capability to carry out such precise attacks.

.@POTUS “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… pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t

— Department of War (@DeptofWar) December 26, 2025

Trump also said that under his leadership, the United States would not allow radical Islamic terrorism to grow. He ended his message by blessing the US military and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, while also issuing a strong warning to the militants.

In recent months, Trump has spoken several times about the situation of Christians in Nigeria. In November, he asked his defence secretary to get ready for possible military action. He also warned that the United States could step in with force to protect Christians in Nigeria, Africa’s most populated country, according to CNN.

The US move was welcomed by some people, but others said it could worsen religious tensions in Nigeria. The country has a history of clashes linked to religion, and critics fear such statements may increase divisions.

Nigerian govt denies claim

Nigeria’s government and several independent experts have rejected the idea that the violence in the country is mainly about religious persecution. They say this view has often been promoted by Christian groups in the United States and Europe, but does not reflect the full reality on the ground.

Nigeria’s foreign ministry later confirmed the US airstrike. In a statement released early on Friday, it said Nigeria is working closely with international partners, including the United States, to fight terrorism and violent extremism.

The ministry added that this cooperation has resulted in targeted airstrikes against terrorist camps in the country’s northwest region.