United States airstrikes in Nigeria reportedly prevented deadly attacks during the 2025 Christmas period, a claim made by US Congressman Riley Moore and later affirmed by President Donald Trump. Moore stated that American forces targeted Islamist militant groups, contrasting this year’s outcome with previous Christmases marked by significant violence against Christian communities in the West African nation. The intervention marks a notable shift in overt US military engagement in the region aimed at counter-terrorism efforts.

Congressman Moore took to the social media platform X on Saturday, December 27, to highlight the perceived success of the military action. He explicitly recalled that Christians had been murdered in Nigeria during the past two Christmas seasons, implying a direct correlation between the US strikes and the absence of similar large-scale violence this year. Moore noted, “For the past two Christmases, Christians have been murdered in Nigeria. This year, thanks to @POTUS, radical Islamic terrorists were on the receiving end of 12 Tomahawk missiles.”

President Trump had previously announced the strikes on Thursday, confirming that American forces launched operations against Islamic State terrorists in north-western Nigeria. Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the actions as “numerous perfect strikes” executed by the “Department of War.” He issued a stern warning that further military action would follow if militant groups continued their assaults on Christian populations, signalling a robust and proactive stance against regional extremism.

The Nigerian Federal Government officially confirmed the airstrikes on Friday, December 26, acknowledging the coordinated effort with US forces. This confirmation underscores a level of cooperation between Abuja and Washington on security matters, particularly in addressing the persistent threat of various militant factions operating across Nigeria’s northern and central regions. The collaboration aims to bolster Nigeria’s capacity to secure its territory and protect its citizens from extremist violence.

The recent military intervention unfolded against a grim backdrop of repeated Christmas-period violence that has plagued Nigeria in recent years. In 2023, Christmas Eve saw horrific attacks in Plateau State, where at least 140 people were reported killed, with many others missing, after gunmen targeted several remote communities. These incidents often highlight the deep-seated ethnic and religious tensions exacerbated by militant activities.

The pattern of violence continued into 2024, when herdsmen reportedly raided five predominantly Christian villages in Benue State on Christmas Day. That assault resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 33 people, further cementing a cycle of brutality that has left communities traumatized and vulnerable. Such recurring tragedies underscore the urgent need for effective security measures and international support.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long grappled with complex security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and farmer-herder clashes across the Middle Belt. These multifaceted threats often intertwine with religious and ethnic dimensions, creating a volatile environment where extremist groups exploit grievances and instability. The US intervention, therefore, represents a targeted effort to disrupt one specific facet of this broader security crisis.

The deployment of Tomahawk missiles, typically associated with high-precision strikes, suggests a deliberate and strategic approach by the US military. This level of engagement indicates a heightened concern within Washington regarding the proliferation of ISIS-affiliated groups in West Africa and their capacity to destabilize key regional allies. The stated goal of securing the country and ending the “slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ” also hints at a humanitarian dimension to the intervention.

While US officials have celebrated the immediate impact, the long-term effectiveness of such targeted strikes in mitigating Nigeria’s complex security landscape remains a subject of ongoing debate among security analysts. Addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, governance issues, and inter-communal tensions, requires a comprehensive strategy beyond military interventions alone.

The events of late 2025 demonstrate a renewed, albeit assertive, American foreign policy posture under the Trump administration towards combating Islamist extremism in critical African regions. The directness of the military action and the public pronouncements from both President Trump and Congressman Moore underscore a commitment to protecting religious minorities and disrupting terrorist networks, signaling potential shifts in regional security dynamics for the foreseeable future.

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Keywords: US airstrikes Nigeria, Christmas attacks, Islamist militants, President Trump, Congressman Riley Moore, Nigerian security, ISIS West Africa, counter-terrorism efforts