• Donald Trump ordered military strikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, calling it a 'Christmas present.'
• The strikes were said to be a response to ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria.
• Nigerian officials confirmed that the strikes were conducted in coordination with US forces.
• Reactions in Nigeria have been mixed, with some supporting international intervention while others express concern.
• The Nigerian government stated the operation marked a new phase in tackling terrorism jointly with the US.

On December 26, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that military strikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria were executed on Christmas Day, a decision he described as a "Christmas present". Trump stated that the operation was originally scheduled for earlier that week, but he chose to delay it to have symbolic significance, emphasizing that "every camp got decimated" during the strikes, according to South China Morning Post.

These military actions were reportedly coordinated with the Nigerian government, who confirmed their role in the operation. Nigerian officials, including Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, asserted the strikes were part of ongoing intelligence sharing and were necessary to combat terrorism affecting both Christians and Muslims in the country. Areas targeted included Sokoto state, a region where many militants, particularly the ISIS West Africa Province, have been active, according to Africanews and Le Monde.

Reactions from Nigerians have varied significantly. Some residents in Lagos supported the strikes, viewing them as necessary for restoring peace and security in the country. Reverend Emmanuel Udoh stated, "If another country is coming with the aim of creating stability or peace in Nigeria, why shouldn’t we be in support?" Other voices expressed concern over Nigeria's ability to manage its internal security crises independently, highlighting the complexity of the country's conflict landscape that includes banditry and kidnapping, according to India Times.

Detailed reports of the strike’s aftermath have been sparse, prompting anxiety among local communities about potential casualties and the credibility of the operation. Critics have called for transparency regarding who was impacted by the strikes, as there were no immediate confirmations about the extent of damage or casualties affecting militants or civilians. Bulama Bukarti, a conflict analyst, emphasized the necessity for clarity to mitigate public panic, as residents reported confusion and fear following the unexpected military actions, according to AA and AA.