Following the announcement by United States President Donald Trump that US forces have carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, reactions from Nigerians have continued to pour in, especially on social media.
Tribune Online reports that Nigerian Government has also confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, stating that the operation was a partnership between the two countries and 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.
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, “This man here made a comment concerning the killing of Christians in Nigeria. Not up to 24hrs later, the US Army rained bomb on Gumi boys in northwest Nigeria. The best Christmas gift ever. Thank you Bibi.”
ALSO READ: US airstrikes expose Nigeria’s weak leadership — Sowore
Another user, @Lanister expressed support for the foreign-led onslaught against terror groups in Nigeria, stating, “This man here made a comment concerning the killing of Christians in Nigeria. Not up to 24hrs later, the US Army rained bomb on Gumi boys in northwest Nigeria. The best Christmas gift ever. Thank you Bibi..”
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?”
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, saying the country doesn’t lack capacity to strike but the political restriction. @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.”