United States President Donald Trump has revealed that the American government carried out the Sokoto Christmas Day air strikes against ISIS terrorists in collaboration with the Nigerian government.
Trump made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.
According to the US president, the air strikes were authorised to “decimate the ISIS terrorists who have been slaughtering Christians in that country by the thousands.”
Explaining his decision, Trump said the operation was deliberately executed on Christmas Day.
He said, “On Christmas Day in close coordination with the government of Nigeria, we worked with them, but they’ve got to get tougher.
“I ordered powerful air strikes to decimate the ISIS terrorists who have been slaughtering Christians in that country by the thousands. It’s not even believable.
“We hit them so hard they still don’t know what the hell happened. And we were going to do it on a different day. I said no, do it on Christmas. So they understand it.”
Trump also referenced his long-standing emphasis on Christmas during his political career.
“Remember, Christmas was when I ran in 2015. When I announced, I said we’re going to bring back Christmas because the word Christmas was almost gone and people didn’t use Christmas anymore.
“We brought back the word Christmas. They didn’t want to use it and we’re using it again.”
He further disclosed that he gave clear instructions to ensure the strikes were carried out on that specific day.
“I specifically told Pete, I said hit them on Christmas Day, not earlier and not later. And man, did he hit them. So then we hit them again recently. We hit them again pretty hard,” Trump said.
Trump had earlier announced on December 26 that “powerful and deadly” strikes were launched against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria on December 25, following warnings to the group to stop killing Christians in the country.
The US Department of Defense confirmed that “multiple ISIS terrorists” were killed in the operation, which it said was conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was among the dignitaries present at the National Prayer Breakfast, which drew political and civic leaders from around the world.
Trump praised Mrs Tinubu during his address, describing her as a “very respected woman,” remarks that drew applause from the audience.
He also acknowledged her role as a pastor in one of Nigeria’s largest churches, highlighting her influence and standing within the faith community.
“We are honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria — a very respected woman. Thank you very much, it’s a great honour, a very respected person too,” Trump said.
The recognition placed Nigeria’s First Lady among notable global faith leaders at the event, which brings together political figures, clergy, and policymakers for prayers and reflections on leadership, governance, and national values.
The National Prayer Breakfast is held annually in February and convenes members of the US Congress, religious leaders, and international guests.