Expect further airstrikes — US speaks out, releases video of strike on Nigerian terrorists as FG gives more details

The United States Government has warned that additional military strikes will be carried out against terrorists operating in and around Nigeria. This came as the US Department of War released a video showing that Thursday’s airstrike on Islamic State terrorists in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria, was launched from a US warship.

The footage showed at least one projectile being fired from a US warship, although it did not disclose the location from which the vessel was operating.
In the aftermath of the airstrikes, both US President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signalled that more attacks would follow.
President Trump had earlier announced the Sokoto airstrikes on Thursday night via his Truth Social platform, writing:
“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!”
He continued:
“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.”
According to Trump, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”
Hinting strongly at further military action, the US President added:
“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.”
Similarly, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated in a post on X:
“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. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government on Friday morning, December 26, 2025, reacted to the US airstrikes. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes were carried out as part of ongoing efforts to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism.
According to the statement, this cooperation has resulted in precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West, carried out in line with established international practice and bilateral agreements.
Ebienfa explained that the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.
He stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilian lives, the preservation of national unity, and the upholding of the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the statement said.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with international partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen Nigeria’s security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that it would continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.