President Donald Trump on Christmas Day said that he had ordered “numerous” strikes on alleged terror targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, according to NBC News.

In a post on Truth Social on Thursday evening, the president wrote that “powerful and deadly” strikes were directed at Islamic State terrorists whom he accused of targeting and killing Christians in the country.

No additional details about the strikes were immediately available.

Nigeria’s government, as well and experts and scholars, have previously said that Trump’s portrayal of the security situation in Nigeria is misleading, as members of all faiths have suffered at the hands of Islamist extremists and other groups. On Wednesday night, a blast at a mosque in northeast Nigeria killed five people and injured 35.

The country’s population is split between Muslims living primarily in the north and Christians in the south.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has confirmed that “Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” said Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”

According to Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, “the Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.”

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affects the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/? Dr;/.hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url