By MOHAMMED DANBABA
The United States President, Donald Trump, has stirred controversy in Nigeria and beyond following remarks he made after approving a deadly airstrike in parts of North-West Nigeria, particularly Sokoto State, which reportedly targeted terrorist elements.
In a statement released late Thursday, Trump confirmed that he authorised what he described as a “powerful and deadly” military operation against suspected ISIS-linked fighters operating in the region. However, it was his choice of words — especially a Christmas message directed at the slain militants — that quickly dominated public discourse.
While announcing the operation, Trump said the United States had carried out multiple precision strikes against terrorist groups he accused of attacking and killing civilians, particularly Christians, in the North-West.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander-in-Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump said. He claimed the militants had been “viciously killing innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years.”
Trump added that the operation was meant as a response to what he called persistent warnings to the terrorists to stop their attacks.
“I warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay. Tonight, there was,” he stated.
‘Merry Christmas to the Dead Terrorists’ Remark Triggers Reactions
The statement took a dramatic turn when Trump concluded with a line that many observers described as provocative and insensitive.
“May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists,” he said, adding that more would follow if attacks continued.
The comment immediately drew mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political, security, and religious landscape. While some social media users praised the firmness of the action against armed groups terrorising communities, others criticised the rhetoric, warning that such language could inflame tensions in an already fragile region.
Nigeria’s Military Confirms Joint Operations, Avoids Political Rhetoric
Hours after Trump’s statement gained traction online, Nigeria’s military authorities confirmed that air operations were conducted in parts of Sokoto State with support from international partners. However, they stopped short of endorsing or repeating the political language used by the US president.
According to military sources, the strikes were part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at dismantling armed groups responsible for mass killings, kidnappings, and displacement across the North-West.
Security officials stressed that the focus of the operation was tactical and intelligence-driven, targeting specific locations believed to house armed fighters. They also noted that damage assessment was still ongoing.
Importantly, as of press time, Nigerian authorities had not released casualty figures or confirmed the identities of high-profile militant leaders allegedly affected by the airstrikes.
Concerns Over Sovereignty and Religious Polarisation
The development has reopened debates around foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s internal security operations. Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who has been vocal on the issue, warned earlier that foreign airstrikes could turn Nigeria into a theatre of international conflict.
Analysts also expressed concern over Trump’s framing of the conflict as primarily religious. They argue that Nigeria’s security crisis in the North-West is driven by a complex mix of banditry, criminal networks, arms proliferation, and governance failures — not strictly religious ideology.
“There is a real danger in reducing Nigeria’s security challenges to a Christian-Muslim narrative,” a security analyst based in Abuja said. “Such framing risks deepening divisions and undermining local peace efforts.”
Airstrikes Alone Not a Silver Bullet
Military experts have also cautioned that while airstrikes can degrade terrorist capabilities, they cannot on their own end insurgency or banditry. Ground intelligence, community engagement, and sustained law-enforcement operations remain critical.
Nigeria has, in recent years, increased reliance on air power to counter armed groups in difficult terrains across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna states. However, civilian protection and transparency remain sensitive issues whenever air operations are conducted.
Developing Story as Calls for Clarity Grow
As reactions continue to pour in, many Nigerians are calling on the Federal Government to provide clearer information about the scope of US involvement, the rules of engagement, and safeguards for civilians.
So far, neither the US Department of Defense nor Nigeria’s presidency has issued additional clarification on Trump’s remarks or the long-term implications of the operation.
What remains clear is that the Sokoto airstrike and Trump’s Christmas comment have added a new political and diplomatic layer to Nigeria’s already complex security challenges.
This remains a developing story.
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