Nigeria Government Confirms US Security Forces Hit At Terrorists Targets In Nigeria's Far North

Nigeria's government has confirmed a US led strikes on the Terrorists Targets in the country's troubling Northern region in what the government called NIGERIA -UNITED STATES SECURITY COOPERATION.

According to the Press Statement: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.

In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.

Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective 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 Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria's own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels

United States President Donald Trump earlier on Christmas Night cc confirmed the US military operations against the terrorists killings innocent and defenseless citizens.

Donald Trump Confirms US Carried out "powerful and deadly" Strikes against Islamic State forces in Nigeria

American President Donald Trump said Thursday night that he'd launched a "powerful and deadly" U.S. strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after spending weeks accusing the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led pro Terrorists government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.

According to the US President: "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!" 

The president posted on his social media site. His post did not include information about how the strike was carried out, nor what effects it had. But the U.S. Africa Command posted on X that it had "conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Soboto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists."

"Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad," its post said.

The Defense Department did not immediately answer requests for comment.

In response to Trump's previous criticisms, Nigeria's government says that people of many faiths, not just Christians, have suffered attacks at the hands of extremists groups.

However, the truth remains that the primary targets of the northern Oligarchy sponsored terrors are Christians and have surfer thousands of casualties while the APC led federal government weren't serious about the fight against the insurgents. Thousands are in IDPs.

Still, last month, Trump said he'd ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution. The State Department has also announced it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in mass killings and violence against Christians in the West African country.

And the U.S. recently designated Nigeria a "country of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act.

"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," Trump wrote in his Christmas night post.

He said that U.S. defense officials had "executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing" and added that "our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper."

Nigeria's population of 220 million is split almost equally between Christians and Muslims. The country has long faced insecurity from various fronts including the Boko Haram extremist group, which seeks to establish its radical interpretation of Islamic law and has also targeted Muslims it deems not Muslim enough.

But attacks in Nigeria often have varying motives. There are religiously motivated ones targeting both Christians and Muslims, clashes between farmers and herders over dwindling resources, communal rivalries, secessionist groups and ethnic clashes.

The U.S. security footprint has diminished in Africa, where military partnerships have either been scaled down or canceled. U.S. forces likely would have to be drawn from other parts of the world for any military intervention in Nigeria.

Trump has nonetheless kept up the pressure as Nigeria faced a series of attacks on schools and churches in violence that experts and residents say targets both Christians and Muslims.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted Thursday night on X: "The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end."

Hegseth said that U.S. military forces are "always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas" and added, "More to come…Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation" before signing off, "Merry Christmas!"

Source: AP

CHRISTMAS: CDS, COAS HONOUR FRONTLINE TROOPS WITH CHRISTMAS LUNCH IN PLATEAU STATE AS TROOPS FOIL PLANNED ATTACK, NEUTRALISE NOTORIOUS BANDIT, RECOVER WEAPONS IN THE STATE

 

The Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede AFM, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, on Thursday, 25 December 2025, celebrated frontline troops with a special Christmas lunch in Plateau State, in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the Joint Operations Area.

According to a statement signed by Major Samson  Nantip  Zhakom who is the Media Information Officer the JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE,  the colourful event, hosted by Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), brought together officers, soldiers, their families, and invited guests in an atmosphere of warmth, unity, and festive cheer. The event featured vibrant cultural dance displays reflecting Nigeria’s rich diversity, light-hearted riddles and jokes, as well as other morale-boosting activities aimed at easing the burden of frontline duties during the yuletide.

In his goodwill message, the CDS extended warm Christmas greetings to the troops, expressing delight at celebrating the yuletide season with personnel of 3 Division and JTF OPEP. He described Christmas as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope, and renewal, offering an opportunity to reflect on shared humanity, collective responsibility, and the unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation. The CDS remarked that while many Nigerians celebrate with their families, frontline troops remain steadfast in performing their oath to God and country, standing as the wall that never breaks and the hope that can never be shattered. He commended their selfless service, courage, and professionalism in executing Operation ENDURING PEACE, which has contributed significantly to restoring public confidence and stabilising Plateau State and adjoining areas of Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, and noted that the nation owes them immense gratitude.

The CDS further urged troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive, reminding them that criminal elements often seek to exploit festive periods to undermine peace and security. He called for continued collaboration with sister security agencies and positive engagement with local communities, whose trust is essential to achieving enduring peace. He reassured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, enhance healthcare, and support families. He also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief, for his steadfast support to military operations nationwide. The CDS reaffirmed that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with sister security agencies, remain resolute and relentless in combating terrorism, defending democracy, and safeguarding the nation, vowing that the military will continue to act boldly, decisively, and with unwavering commitment to duty.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, represented by the Commander Armour Corps, Major General UB Abubakar, echoed similar sentiments, saluting frontline troops for their selfless sacrifices and reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, combat readiness, and personnel welfare, in line with his command philosophy. He also appreciated the support of military families, sister services, and key stakeholders.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General EF Oyinlola, highlighted operational successes recorded under Operation PEACE SHIELD, including the neutralisation of criminals, arrests of kidnappers, and recovery of arms and ammunition, which contributed to a relatively peaceful yuletide across the Joint Operations Area.

A major highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops by the CDS, the representative of the COAS, and other senior dignitaries, reinforcing leadership’s closeness to the rank and file and boosting troop morale.

The event concluded with renewed calls for discipline, unity, and professionalism, as troops were encouraged to celebrate responsibly while remaining vigilant in the defence of the nation.

Meanwhile, the Media Information Officer the JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major Samson Nantip  Zhakom in a separate media release had also confirmed as part of the decisive phase of the ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD that the troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have sustained robust offensive operations across the Joint Operations Area to ensure a peaceful and secure environment during the yuletide period.

According to the statement, in the early hours of 25 December 2025, troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a decisive operation at Gwande Community, Monguna District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops made contact with a group of armed bandits who were mobilising to launch an attack on a nearby community. The troops swiftly engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee in disarray.

In the subsequent exchange of gunfire, one bandit was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the criminals include one fabricated revolver rifle, one fabricated pistol, 9 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 6 cartridges.

Preliminary feedback from the community confirmed that the neutralised bandit was a member of a notorious criminal syndicate that has been terrorising Gwande Community and its environs. Consequently, troops have intensified follow-up operations to track down, intercept, and apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.

The 3 Division/JTF OPEP reassure law-abiding residents of Plateau State of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

Criminal elements operating within the Joint Operations Area are hereby warned to desist from all forms of illegal activities or face decisive military action, as troops remain resolute, vigilant, and prepared to deal ruthlessly with any threat to peace and security.