The United States military has carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militant positions in northwest Nigeria, marking one of its most significant actions in the region this year. The operation was announced on Christmas Day by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the strikes were intended to counter extremists responsible for attacks on civilian communities.
Details of the Strike
The strikes targeted militants linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria. According to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the operation was conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government and followed intelligence sharing between the two countries.
Official military footage showed missiles being launched from a U.S. Navy vessel in the Gulf of Guinea toward militant strongholds. Multiple militants were reportedly killed, though exact figures have not been independently verified.
U.S. Leadership Speaks Out
In a statement on his platform Truth Social, President Trump justified the strikes by citing what he described as “vicious attacks against innocent Christians” in Nigeria. He warned of further action if violence continued, framing the strikes as part of a broader effort to protect vulnerable communities.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the mission was part of wider counter‑terrorism efforts and highlighted U.S. military readiness:
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to working with partners like Nigeria to disrupt extremist networks that threaten civilians and regional stability.”
Nigerian Government Response
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the assault as a joint operation, noting that the strikes were carried out with full respect for Nigerian sovereignty and at the request of Nigerian authorities. Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar stressed that the primary objective was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
President Bola Tinubu, while affirming his government’s commitment to security, reiterated the importance of protecting all religious groups and maintaining national unity in the aftermath of the attack.
Background: Security Situation in Nigeria
Nigeria has faced persistent threats from extremist groups for more than a decade, including Boko Haram and ISIS offshoots. These groups have carried out mass kidnappings, bombings, and attacks on villages across several states, fueling widespread instability.
Analysts note that militant presence in northwest Nigeria—particularly among lesser‑known ISIS affiliates—has grown as government forces remain stretched across multiple fronts.
International Reaction and Implications
The U.S. airstrikes mark a significant escalation in American military engagement in West Africa, where recent operations have largely focused on training and intelligence support.
Critics of the president’s remarks urged careful consideration of Nigeria’s complex internal dynamics, stressing that violence affects all communities regardless of religion. Supporters of the operation argue that disrupting extremist networks is critical to protecting civilians and strengthening regional security cooperation.
