A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has stated that U.S. airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day helped prevent deadly attacks in Nigeria during the 2025 festive period. Moore contrasted the development with previous years, noting that Nigerian Christians had suffered fatal attacks during past Christmas seasons.
In a post on X, Moore said that instead of another season of bloodshed, U.S. forces targeted Islamist militants, launching 12 Tomahawk missiles against ISIS positions in coordination with the Nigerian government. He described the strikes as an initial step toward ending violence against Christians and restoring security in Nigeria.
The intervention followed an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed that the U.S. military conducted precision strikes against ISIS camps in north-western Nigeria. Trump said the action demonstrated his administration’s resolve not to allow radical Islamic terrorism to flourish.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that the airstrikes were carried out through security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States. According to him, the strikes targeted ISIS elements in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area, and Warrayya and Alkasim communities in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Tuggar stressed that the operation was conducted in line with international law and with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, former Senate Leader and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, called on the Federal Government to extend joint military operations with the United States to the North-East. He said such cooperation would significantly weaken ISWAP and Boko Haram strongholds in Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains and the Sambisa Forest.
Former Senator Shehu Sani also defended the U.S. airstrikes, stating that any military action taken with Nigeria’s consent does not violate the country’s sovereignty. He argued that terrorists had already undermined Nigeria’s sovereignty through years of killings, kidnappings and destruction.
In a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja Shaibu, visited troops of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Sokoto State. The military chiefs urged troops to remain vigilant and decisive against terrorists during the festive period while adhering to rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
They praised the troops for their sacrifices, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to national security, and assured continued support for families of fallen soldiers, wishing personnel a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026.
