- The Shift in Holiday Security Congressman Riley Moore announced that U.S. airstrikes successfully prevented the deadly violence that has historically plagued Nigerian Christian communities during Christmas. Contrasting this year with previous tragedies, Moore noted that military intervention shifted the tide. He stated, “For the past two Christmases, Christians have been murdered in Nigeria. This year… radical Islamic terrorists were on the receiving end.”
Coordinated Military Action The strikes, involving twelve Tomahawk missiles, targeted ISIS elements in north-western Nigeria through coordination between the U.S. and Nigerian governments. President Donald Trump confirmed the “numerous perfect strikes” on Truth Social, warning of further action. Moore described this operation as “the first step to securing the country and ending the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
A History of Festive Violence The 2025 intervention follows years of seasonal bloodshed, including the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State that killed 140 people. In 2024, another 33 people were murdered in Benue State by herdsmen. While the Nigerian government confirmed the recent strikes, the U.S. maintains that these actions were necessary to break the cycle of holiday-period terrorism.