The Nigerian military has ramped up land and air offensives across northern states in response to a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to deploy American forces over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action,” citing continued attacks by Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Trump’s statement also included a threat to suspend all U.S. aid to Nigeria if the Tinubu administration fails to act decisively. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet,” he wrote, vowing to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists” responsible for atrocities.

In the wake of the warning, Nigerian forces launched intensified operations under Operation Hadin Kai. On Sunday, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion rescued 86 civilians from a Boko Haram ambush in Dutse Kura and arrested 29 suspected logistics suppliers. Recovered items included weapons, vehicles, and supplies from a dismantled terrorist camp.

Meanwhile, rival factions Boko Haram and ISWAP clashed violently in Abadam LGA, Borno State, leaving over 50 ISWAP fighters dead. The confrontation occurred in Toumbun Gini, where ISWAP’s attempted offensive was repelled by Boko Haram operatives who had prior intelligence of the attack.

Simultaneously, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) executed precision airstrikes across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, and other northern states. According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes targeted ISWAP strongholds in the Northern Tumbuns and bandit enclaves in Kwara and Katsina. Key logistics hubs and weapons storage sites were destroyed, significantly degrading terrorist mobility and operational capacity.

In Katsina’s Kankara LGA, air assets under Operation FANSAN YAMMA struck Zango Hill, neutralizing a terrorist kingpin and his fighters. Armed reconnaissance missions also covered Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna, targeting known hideouts and routes used by armed groups.

The operations reflect a coordinated counterterrorism strategy under the directive of Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, aimed at curbing extremist violence and reinforcing national security amid rising international scrutiny.