By Jane Okafor, Abuja
United States President Donald Trump on Christmas Day said that US forces conducted multiple deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria, hitting targets and and vowing more attacks if the alleged genocidal attacks by the scoundrels against Christian population in the region didn’t stop.
The president stated this on his Truth Social platform, clarifying that the Department of War carried out numerous precision strikes that hit the terrorists’ dens.
He wrote, “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!
“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.
“Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.
“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.”
Interestingly, the Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, in a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.”
He wrote, “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.
“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
US Africa Command said in an X post that it conducted a strike, which killed multiple ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” the post read.
The Daily Crucible reports that the airstrikes come a day after a bomb shattered a mosque in Nigeria’s northeastern city of Maiduguri, killing five people and injuring dozens, in a suspected suicide attack.
The bomb exploded after a teen suicide bomber detonated the explosive object strapped to his body in the midst of worshippers at the mosque in Ngamboru Market, Maiduguri, during evening prayers on Wednesday.
Multiple sources said the blast occurred during congregational prayers at about 6:10 pm, a time when many traders in the busy Ngamboru Market converge to worship before returning home.
The sources said further that the explosion triggered fire and thick smoke, burning parts of the mosque’s ceiling and causing panic within the crowded market area.
However, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahum Kenneth Daso, said that five persons died in the attack, while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The PPRO added that the injured were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and other hospitals in Maiduguri.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned the bomb explosion that killed about five lives and left some injured, describing the attack as a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.
The Vice President said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident. In a statement on Thursday, the Vice President condemned the attack, assuring that the Federal Government is deploying additional tactical teams to the area to track down and apprehend those responsible for the terror attack.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” he said.
Vice President Shettima expressed confidence that the security architecture currently in place would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law,” VP Shettima said.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, anchored in constitutional duty, remains unwavering.
Speaker Abbas Condemns Maiduguri Mosque Attack
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned the bomb blast that rocked a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday, which claimed several lives and injured many others.
The Speaker described the incident as the most barbaric attack on innocent worshippers, who were peacefully observing their religious obligations.
“It represents the height of wickedness and a direct assault on the soul of our nation,” he said.
In a statement by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas stated that the attack was unacceptable at this time and that the security forces were doing their best to address the country’s security challenges.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the government, the people of Borno State, and all Nigerians,” the Speaker said.
Also, the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Army, has confirmed the explosion at a mosque in Borno State on Wednesday evening, December 24, 2025, saying Boko Haram sect carried out by a suicide bomber.
Theatre Command spokesman, Lt-Col Sani Uba, said investigations revealed that a Boko Haram terrorist was responsible.
“Preliminary findings indicate the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the scene,” he said.
“The troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister security agencies, the Borno State Government and NEMA, responded promptly, securing and cordoning off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety,” the statement added.
Lt-Col Uba said casualties were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for medical attention.
He also confirmed that 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition,” he said.
“The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.”
Lt-Col Uba assured residents of their safety this festive season, stating that troops and other security agencies have intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and its surrounding areas.
