Nigerian Military Steps Up Offensive After Trump’s Threat of US Action Over Christian Killings

The Nigerian military has intensified its ground and air offensives across the northern region following a recent warning from United States President Donald Trump, who hinted at possible military intervention over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

According to Newsmen, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he had directed the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” if the alleged killings continue. He further cautioned that the United States might suspend all forms of aid to Nigeria should the Tinubu administration fail to curb the violence. “If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and may very well go into that now-disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities,” Trump wrote.

Amid the tension, rival extremist groups—Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP)—clashed violently over territorial control in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. Reports indicated that over 50 fighters were killed during the confrontation in Toumbun Gini, an island community.

Eyewitnesses revealed that ISWAP militants, using ten high-powered watercraft, attempted an attack but were ambushed by Boko Haram fighters who had prior intelligence of the plan. Seven of ISWAP’s boats were seized, while three managed to escape.

Hours later, troops from the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai intercepted a Boko Haram ambush along the Buratai–Kamuya Road, rescuing 86 civilians and arresting 29 suspected logistics suppliers. According to the unit’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Uba Sani, the troops recovered weapons, motorcycles, and vehicles and destroyed the terrorists’ camp in Mangari.

In another coordinated operation at Mangada, soldiers arrested 29 suspects transporting petrol, tyres, engine oil, and medical supplies to insurgent camps.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched precision airstrikes on terrorist and bandit enclaves across Borno, Kwara, and Katsina States. NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strikes were guided by real-time intelligence and destroyed hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons depots, neutralising multiple insurgents. “Air interdiction missions in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram dealt a heavy blow to ISWAP networks. The strikes eliminated several terrorists and disrupted their operational routes,” Ejodame stated.

Further operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA targeted bandit strongholds in Zango Hill, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, and carried out surveillance across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States.

Ejodame added that the sustained campaign reflects the directives of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to maintain relentless pressure on insurgents across the country.