Boom—just when the world thought Christmas Day would be all peace and goodwill, U.S. air power rained down on ISIS hideouts in northwest Nigeria.
On that holy day, President Donald Trump ordered precision strikes on terrorist camps, with the explicit green light from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, as a direct response to vicious attacks on Christian communities, Just The News reported.
Before the operation, Nigerian Prime Minister Yusuf Tuggar held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ensuring alignment between the two nations. This wasn’t some rogue mission; it was a coordinated effort to dismantle terror networks. And in a world obsessed with endless bureaucracy, it’s refreshing to see decisive action.
The strikes zeroed in on ISIS strongholds in Sokoto state, a region near Nigeria’s border with Niger, as confirmed by the U.S. Africa Command. Reports indicate multiple terrorists were taken out in the operation. For once, the bad guys didn’t get to celebrate the holidays.
Trump took to social media late Thursday to break the news himself, claiming full responsibility for the order. He framed the strikes as a necessary retaliation against ISIS for targeting innocent Christians—a stance that cuts through the usual diplomatic fluff. While some might clutch their pearls over such bluntness, protecting the persecuted shouldn’t be controversial.
“Whoever is prepared to work with us to fight terrorism, we’re ready, willing and able,” said Prime Minister Tuggar, signaling Nigeria’s openness to international partnerships. That’s a pragmatic stance, not a woke lecture on cultural sensitivity. It’s about results, not feelings, and that’s a tone more leaders should adopt.
Trump’s social media post didn’t mince words, announcing he ordered the strikes in response to the terrorist group “killing innocent Christians.” In an era where leaders often hide behind vague statements, this clarity is a gut punch to those who’d rather ignore the plight of the vulnerable. It’s a reminder that evil doesn’t take a holiday.
The coordination with Nigerian authorities, as noted by the U.S. Africa Command, shows this wasn’t a unilateral cowboy move. Both nations stood shoulder to shoulder against a common enemy. That’s the kind of alliance that actually matters—not empty virtue signaling at global summits.
Now, let’s not pretend this solves every problem in the region overnight. ISIS isn’t going to pack up and leave because of one operation, no matter how successful. But it’s a start, and a signal that appeasement isn’t on the table.
Sokoto state, the focal point of the strikes, has long been a hotbed for extremist activity, making it a strategic target. Striking there sends a message: no corner is safe for those who sow chaos. It’s a shame it takes such drastic measures, but sometimes peace requires a strong hand.
The loss of life among ISIS ranks, as reported by U.S. Africa Command, is a tactical win, though the broader war on terror remains a slog. Still, every step forward counts when the alternative is letting barbarism fester unchecked. That’s not compassion; it’s cowardice.
Nigeria’s leadership, from President Tinubu to Prime Minister Tuggar, deserves credit for not bowing to the progressive chorus that often cries “imperialism” at any U.S. involvement. They saw a threat, partnered up, and acted. Imagine if more nations prioritized security over posturing.
Trump’s decision to act on Christmas Day wasn’t just symbolic—it was a deliberate stand against those who’d exploit sacred times for bloodshed. While critics might grumble about timing, the reality is that terror doesn’t respect calendars. Why should we respond?
The partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria in this operation could set a precedent for future collaborations, assuming both sides keep politics out of it. Too often, good initiatives get bogged down by ideological nonsense. Let’s hope this is the exception.
Ultimately, these strikes are a reminder that defending the defenseless isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a human one. While the chattering classes debate endlessly, real lives hang in the balance. For now, this operation offers a flicker of hope to those under the shadow of terror.
