From relief to outrage, reactions pour in across social media as Nigerians debate the US military strikes in Sokoto. 'Is this protection or invasion?' asks one user.

LAGOS — The news of President Donald Trump's Christmas Day airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwestern Nigeria has triggered an avalanche of reactions on Nigerian social media, with the hashtag #TrumpInNigeria trending at number one on X (formerly Twitter) throughout Boxing Day.

The strikes, which the US administration framed as a mission to protect persecuted Christians, have deeply divided public opinion, revealing a nation torn between desperation for security and concerns over sovereignty.

"Finally, Someone Is Acting"

A significant portion of the reactions expressed relief and gratitude. Many users, citing years of unchecked banditry and insurgency in the north, welcomed the intervention regardless of the source.

"If our own government won't finish them, let Trump do it. I don't care about sovereignty when people are dying every day. Thank you USA. 🇺🇸🇳🇬" > — @NaijaPatriot

"Merry Christmas indeed! The best gift for the people of Sokoto. Clean them out. No mercy for terrorists." > — @Chibuzor_Logic

Sovereignty Concerns

However, the mood was far from unanimous. Critics and intellectuals took to the platform to question the implications of foreign airstrikes on Nigerian soil, asking whether the Tinubu administration had ceded control of the country's defense.

"So Trump just decides to bomb Nigeria on Christmas? Did we agree to this? We are becoming a vassal state. This is not 'help', this is an invasion." > — @PanAfricanThought

"We celebrate today, but what happens when they decide to strike a target in Lagos or Abuja? Sovereignty is not something you trade for convenience." > — @YarAduaVoice

The "Religious Protection" Narrative

Trump's specific mention of "protecting Christians" drew sharp lines between religious communities online, sparking heated debates in comment sections.

"He said he is protecting Christians. Does that mean Muslim victims of ISIS don't matter? Terrorists kill everyone. This narrative is dangerous." > — @Musa_Sokoto

"The silence of the world while Christians were slaughtered was loud. Trump spoke up. Call it what you want, but he is the only one acknowledging the reality." > — @GraceUnbound

Humor Amidst the Chaos

As is typical of "Naija Twitter," dark humor wasn't far behind.

"Bandits hearing fighter jets and thinking it's fireworks for Christmas... Omo, surprise package! 🚀" > — @LagosPikin

"Trump really said 'I will be home for Christmas' but sent missiles to Sokoto instead. Wahala be like bicycle." > — @ComedyCentralNG

As the dust settles physically in Sokoto, the digital storm shows no sign of abating. The strikes have forced a national conversation about the state of Nigeria's security apparatus and the price of foreign assistance.