Trump made the remarks on Thursday while speaking to guests at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where he discussed security, religion, and international cooperation in fighting terrorism.
According to the U.S. president, the airstrike targeted fighters he described as ISIS-linked militants who had been carrying out violent attacks in parts of Nigeria. Trump said the decision to act on Christmas Day was deliberate and symbolic.
“I ordered powerful air strikes to decimate the terrorists who have been slaughtering Christians,” Trump told the audience.
“We hit them so hard they still don’t know what happened.”
He explained that military planners had suggested carrying out the operation on a different date, but he personally instructed that it be done on December 25.
“We were going to do it on a different day,” Trump said. “I said no, do it on Christmas, so they understand it.”
Trump also linked the decision to what he described as his long-standing position on protecting Christian communities and preserving religious traditions.
He told attendees that Christmas holds special meaning to many people around the world and should not be overshadowed by violence or fear.
The U.S. leader further stated that the operation was carried out in cooperation with Nigerian authorities. He noted that security partnerships between countries remain important in the global fight against terrorism.
“On Christmas Day, in close coordination with the government of Nigeria, we worked with them,” Trump said, while also urging stronger efforts to confront armed groups operating in parts of the country.
He added that he gave clear instructions to senior defense officials to ensure the mission was carried out exactly as planned and at the specified time.
“I specifically told them, hit them on Christmas Day, not earlier and not later,” Trump said. “And they did. We also carried out additional strikes later.”
The comments have drawn mixed reactions from observers and analysts. Some security experts argue that coordinated international action can help weaken extremist networks, especially in regions where armed groups operate across borders.
The U.S. leader further stated that the operation was carried out in cooperation with Nigerian authorities. He noted that security partnerships between countries remain important in the global fight against terrorism.
“On Christmas Day, in close coordination with the government of Nigeria, we worked with them,” Trump said, while also urging stronger efforts to confront armed groups operating in parts of the country.
He added that he gave clear instructions to senior defense officials to ensure the mission was carried out exactly as planned and at the specified time.
“I specifically told them, hit them on Christmas Day, not earlier and not later,” Trump said. “And they did. We also carried out additional strikes later.”
The comments have drawn mixed reactions from observers and analysts. Some security experts argue that coordinated international action can help weaken extremist networks, especially in regions where armed groups operate across borders.
Others, however, warn that military operations alone may not fully solve the complex security challenges facing communities in northern Nigeria, where poverty, displacement, and local conflicts also play a role.
In Nigeria, authorities have repeatedly said they are working with international partners to improve intelligence sharing, training, and equipment for security forces.
In Nigeria, authorities have repeatedly said they are working with international partners to improve intelligence sharing, training, and equipment for security forces.
The country has faced insurgency and banditry for years, particularly in the northern regions, leading to thousands of deaths and large numbers of displaced people.
Religious leaders and humanitarian organizations have continued to call for peaceful solutions, dialogue, and better protection for civilians caught in conflict areas.
Religious leaders and humanitarian organizations have continued to call for peaceful solutions, dialogue, and better protection for civilians caught in conflict areas.
Many have stressed that beyond military action, long-term stability requires investment in education, economic opportunities, and community reconciliation.
Trump’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast have once again drawn global attention to the security situation in parts of West Africa and the role of foreign partners in addressing it.
Trump’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast have once again drawn global attention to the security situation in parts of West Africa and the role of foreign partners in addressing it.
The event, which brings together political leaders, diplomats, and religious figures, often serves as a platform to discuss faith, leadership, and international cooperation.
While details of the Sokoto operation remain limited in the public domain, Trump’s comments have placed the incident back in the spotlight, raising fresh debate about counter-terrorism strategies and the balance between military force and broader peace-building efforts.
While details of the Sokoto operation remain limited in the public domain, Trump’s comments have placed the incident back in the spotlight, raising fresh debate about counter-terrorism strategies and the balance between military force and broader peace-building efforts.
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