Nigeria Signals It May Allow US Troops on the Ground After Trump Orders Christmas Day ISIS Airstrikes in Northwest Nigeria

American forces could potentially be deployed on Nigerian soil following President Trump’s recent airstrikes against ISIS targets, according to comments from a Nigerian official.

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, told CNN that his government has not ruled out collaborating with US servicemen — an idea the former president has floated in recent weeks. He added that any such decision would require careful consideration by Nigerian authorities.

Nigeria Approves Airstrikes, But Pushes Back on Religious Framing

On Thursday, the Pentagon confirmed that the strikes were conducted with the approval and coordination of Nigeria. However, Tuggar rejected claims framing the attacks as a religious conflict.

“These actions are clearly a strike against terrorism and are not about religion. The focus is protecting Nigerians and innocent lives,” he said during an interview with Channels Television.

He stressed that oversimplifying the situation as “Muslims versus Christians” would be misleading. “It’s a regional conflict,” Tuggar explained.

President Trump Announces “Powerful and Deadly” Strikes

President Trump shared the news of the airstrikes on Christmas Day through a Truth Social post. He described the operation as targeting “ISIS Terrorist Scum” in northwest Nigeria who have been killing mostly innocent Christians.

Trump warned that militants would continue to face US retaliation if the attacks on Christians persisted, adding that the strikes were carried out with precision and efficiency.

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Nigeria Welcomes US Support

Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed that the strikes were part of ongoing security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to combat militant groups. President Bola Tinubu expressed appreciation for the assistance.

Mixed Reactions in US Congress

The strikes sparked debate in Washington. Democrat Rep. Debbie Dingell criticized the administration for providing minimal information before the attack, calling it a “continuing pattern” and asserting that Congress should play a key role in decisions involving military escalation.

Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, a former army officer and chair of the Senate intelligence committee, praised the action. “I commend President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and our brave troops for these strikes against bloodthirsty ISIS savages,” he wrote on X, highlighting both the protection of Christians and Americans.

Details on the Operation

A US defense official confirmed that multiple militants at known ISIS camps were targeted. President Trump emphasized that these militants had been warned previously, and the strikes were a direct response to their ongoing violence.

“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing,” Trump wrote. He concluded with a stern warning to the militants, promising continued action if attacks on innocent Christians continue.

White House and Defense Officials Echo Support

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the president’s statements on social media, highlighting the US readiness to respond and the cooperative role of the Nigerian government.

“The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The Department of War is always ready,” Hegseth wrote.

What Happens Next?

While immediate outcomes of the airstrikes remain unclear, the possibility of US troops on the ground and ongoing cooperation with Nigeria indicates that counterterrorism efforts in the region are set to continue.