Trump Signals More U.S. Strikes in Nigeria After Christmas Day Attack on Extremists

Trump Signals More U.S. Strikes in Nigeria After Christmas Day Attack on Extremists

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could carry out additional military operations in Nigeria if violence against Christians persists, following a recent Christmas Day airstrike targeting Islamic State-linked militants in the country’s northwest.

In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times published on Thursday, Trump suggested the December 25 operation might not be a one-off. When asked whether the strike marked the start of a broader campaign, he said he would prefer it to be limited but left the door open to further action.

“I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” Trump said, adding, “but if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”

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The U.S. airstrike in Nigeria, which Washington said was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government, drew global attention for taking place on Christmas Day. U.S. officials described the operation as targeting Islamic State affiliates, part of ongoing cooperation with Nigeria to combat extremist violence.

Trump framed the action as a response to what he described as repeated killings of Christians by extremist groups, comments that have sparked controversy over the religious framing of the intervention. When confronted with remarks by his senior Africa adviser that groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have killed more Muslims than Christians, Trump acknowledged that Muslims were also victims but insisted that Christians were disproportionately affected.

“I think that Muslims are being killed in Nigeria. But it’s mostly Christians,” he said.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected claims of a genocide against Christians, stressing that armed groups operating across the country attack communities of different faiths for a range of motives. Authorities have maintained that violence against any group, regardless of religion, is unacceptable and that Nigeria continues to work with international partners on counter-terrorism and national security.

Nigerian officials have also emphasised that cooperation with foreign allies, including the United States, is aimed at restoring security and protecting all citizens, not targeting or defending any particular religious group.

Trump Signals More U.S. Strikes in Nigeria After Christmas Day Attack on Extremists