I suspected Trump was going to attack ‘someone’ on Christmas day, but in all honesty, I thought it was gonna be Venezuela.
President Donald Trump said on Dec. 25 that the U.S. military had attacked Islamic State targets in Nigeria, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.

In a post on Truth Social, the president said he directed the military to launch 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!"

US hits Islamic State in Nigeria after Trump warnings — USA TODAY
President Trump said "numerous perfect strikes" had hit Islamic State militants in the West African nation of Nigeria.

- Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP): Originally a faction of Boko Haram, ISWAP split in 2016 and is currently considered one of the most capable and resourceful jihadist groups in the Lake Chad region. It has expanded its operations from the northeast into the northwest and towards central Nigeria.
- Boko Haram (Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad - JAS): Founded in 2002, this group is based in the northeast and is known for its brutal attacks and kidnappings. Although weakened by infighting with ISWAP and military pressure, it remains active.
- Ansaru (Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan): A splinter group from Boko Haram that aligned with Al-Qaeda, Ansaru was largely dormant but resurfaced in 2019. It operates primarily in the northwest.
- Lakurawa: A newer group that emerged around 2018–2020 in the northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi. It is described as a jihadist group that combines religious imposition with organized crime.










