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US Strikes IS Militants in Nigeria's Sokoto State

Was Trump's Nigeria strike decisive protection of persecuted Christians, or a politically motivated stunt ignoring complex reality?

Published 1 day ago·Updated 22 hours ago

US Strikes IS Militants in Nigeria's Sokoto State

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Above: Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 24, 2025. Image credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFPGetty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

After years of inaction while IS terrorists slaughtered over 7,000 Christians in Nigeria this year alone, Trump finally delivered on his promise to stop the massacre. The Christmas Day strikes eliminated multiple IS militants who have been viciously targeting innocent Christians at unprecedented levels. This decisive military action shows real leadership in protecting persecuted religious minorities worldwide.

Mario Nawfal on X Vanguardngr

Anti-Trump narrative

This politically motivated stunt misrepresents the actual security crisis on the ground. Both Christians and Muslims have been massacred by IS; data shows 417 Muslims killed in targeted attacks compared to 317 Christians between 2020 and 2025. This military intervention ignores the complex reality of communal violence, farmer-herder conflicts and indiscriminate terrorism that affects all Nigerians regardless of faith.

Guardian CNN

Narrative C

The strikes were conducted without the genuine authority or informed consent of those exercising governmental power under Tinubu. The operation, framed as a joint one, reflects weakened sovereignty under him and suggests indifference to Nigerian lives. Nigeria's inability to safeguard its territory leaves it sidelined as foreign power prevails. Only credible, informed leadership can truly protect Nigerians and restore dignity, accountability and democratic authority nationwide.

Omoyele Sowore on X