U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that recent American military airstrikes targeting ISIS/ISWAP positions in northern Nigeria prevented further attacks on Christian communities and dealt a major setback to the terrorist organisation.

Speaking during an event in Washington on Friday, Trump defended his administration's counterterrorism strategy, describing the operation in Nigeria as a decisive intervention against extremist violence.

According to the U.S. president, the strikes significantly reduced the ability of the militants to carry out large-scale attacks, particularly against Christian populations.

Trump said the operation eliminated several senior terrorist leaders, including the group's top commander and other high-ranking figures, warning that any future attempts by the extremists to regroup would attract an even stronger military response.

He also drew parallels between the Nigeria operation and recent U.S. actions against Iran, saying both reflected America's policy of confronting major security threats before they escalate.

Reaffirming his administration's position, Trump said the United States would continue taking decisive action against terrorist organisations wherever they operate, stressing that protecting vulnerable populations from extremist violence remains a priority.

He added that U.S. forces possess the capability to identify, track, and strike terrorist targets wherever intelligence confirms their presence, describing the military operations as necessary to prevent attacks on civilians.

Trump also expressed concern over what he described as growing threats to religious freedom, accusing extremist groups of targeting innocent people and undermining peaceful societies.

The remarks come amid ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against ISIS-linked insurgents.

In December 2025, the U.S. carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets in Sokoto State as part of its counterterrorism partnership with Nigeria.

In May 2026, Nigerian defence authorities announced that coordinated U.S.-Nigeria operations in Metele, Borno State, resulted in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.

The collaboration continued in June 2026 when the Nigerian military, working alongside the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), conducted another successful precision airstrike in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where 21 suspected ISWAP fighters were reportedly neutralised.

The joint operations form part of ongoing efforts by both countries to dismantle terrorist networks and weaken the operational capabilities of ISIS-affiliated groups across Nigeria's North-East and North-West.