Following the announcement by United States President Donald Trump that US forces carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas day, reactions from Nigerians have continued to pour in, saying, it’s ‘best boxing day nes ever.’
The Nigerian Federal Government later acknowledged the development on Friday, stating that the strikes “respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.”
Despite this assurance, the development has sparked intense debate, with Nigerians expressing sharply divided views.
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Some social media users openly welcomed the action, describing it as a decisive move against terrorism.
An X user, @JAguenu, praised the operation, saying, “The President gave the command from the White House and it was perfectly executed. All the Islamic jihadist scum must be eliminated. Thanks @realDonaldTrump. Best Boxing Day news.”
Similarly, @itsjonnery described the strikes as a message to political actors allegedly backing terrorism, writing, “My President Trump just declared war against the whole Northern politicians sponsoring terrorists by declaring a strike against ISIS in Nigeria and destroying the political terrorist investments.”
Another user, @LanisterThe, expressed support for the operation, stating, “Well done President Trump. We the patriotic Nigerians really support this strike against ISIS terrorists in northwest Nigeria.”
Others reacted with sarcasm and dark humour. @Atine30 posted, “The United States of America sent an air strike to bomb Gumi’s boys. Today is Bombing Day or Boxing Day?” while @Allezamani wrote, “Donald Trump waited till it was Christmas Day to strike these ISIS Muslim terrorists in Northern Nigeria. Baba say ‘Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists.’”
However, not all reactions were celebratory. Some Nigerians expressed concern about civilian safety. @HasanDLoneWolf cautioned, “The US strike is happening in Sokoto State already and we hope the real terrorists are killed, not the civilians.”
Others used the moment to criticise Nigeria’s internal security approach. @ennyola0015 argued that the country already has the capacity to act, saying, “The problem has never been our ability to strike terrorist targets. The real obstacle has been political restriction, President Trump’s strike makes it appear that we lack capability, but the truth is that prior constraints held us back.”
Another post circulating online claimed, “This is the best news for Nigerians today. President Trump ordered an air strike on ISIS terrorists just hours ago. The hideout in Sokoto State has been bombed. Nigerian mainstream media won’t bring this to you.”