U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a strike on Islamic State, ISWAP, targets in Nigeria in response to what he termed the “slaughter of Christians.”
“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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Thursday.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” the president added.
The Pentagon released a video showing what was a missile being fired from a U.S. warship.
No information was initially released on the number of victims.
The latest incident comes at a time of increasing insecurity in Africa’s most populous country, which has struggled with Islamist violence for several years.
The terrorist organisation, Boko Haram has its roots in Nigeria and in recent weeks, mass abductions from churches and schools have caused unrest and fear among the population.
Trump warned in early November that Washington could become involved over attacks on Christians, calling on the Nigerian government to prevent further bloodshed or face reduced aid deliveries.
However, violence has continued, with at least five people killed and 35 injured in a suicide bombing in the country’s north-east, a police spokesman said on Thursday.
Following the U.S. strikes on Christmas Day, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.”
Also Read: Troops repel Boko Haram, ISWAP attack in Borno
According to the United States Africa Command, the targets hit are in Sokoto State.
The Federal Government has confirmed Air Strikes on terrorist target in the Northwest of the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar disclosed this in a statement on Friday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry.
The Minister explained that Nigeria is engaged in Structural Security Cooperation with International Partners, including the United States to tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
“The Ministry confirms that Nigerian authorities engaged in Structured Security Cooperation with International Partners, including the U.S. 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,” Tuggar said.
It will be recalled that the U.S. government had earlier confirmed it would send additional support to boost surveillance, security operations and counter-terror efforts in the northern part of Nigeria.
This is against backdrop of President Donald Trump’s order on Thursday of the U.S. air strikes against ISIS militants operating in the Northwest of Nigeria.
Tuggar reiterated the cooperation to be in line with established practice and bilateral understandings.
This, according to him, includes the exchange of Intelligence, Strategic Coordination and other forms of support consistent with International Law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitment 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 Christian’s, Muslims or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
He said that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels, to weaken terrorist networks.
He said this would also disrupt the terrorists financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The ministry will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels,” he said. NAN
