Why the US Struck Nigeria on Christmas Day: An Explainer

On Christmas Day, the United States conducted military strikes in Nigeria, targeting Islamic State-linked militants.

President Donald Trump authorized the operation, stating its goal was to halt the violent persecution of Christians, which he has cited as a major concern for months, even designating Nigeria a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom.

The Pentagon confirmed the strikes were carried out with the coordination and approval of the Nigerian government.

However, the Nigerian government’s response highlighted a more complex reality: while praising the security cooperation, officials pointed out that the nation’s severe violence—from groups like Boko Haram and criminal “bandits”—affects Muslim and Christian communities alike and is driven by a mix of extremism, resource competition, and criminal profit, not solely religious hatred.