The United States says it has carried out precision airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, marking a major escalation in counter-terrorism efforts in the region. The operation targeted fighters linked to the Islamic State’s West Africa affiliate in Sokoto State, a region that has seen a recent surge in extremist activity.
President Donald Trump announced the strikes on his social media platform, describing them as a “powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!” He emphasized that the operation was in response to attacks on civilians, warning that “under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”
U.S. Africa Command confirmed that the strikes were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities, targeting multiple ISIS camps and resulting in several militant casualties. The operation was described as a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to counter-terrorism in Africa.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the message in a social media post, stating that “the President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
The strikes were welcomed by the Nigerian government, which has been coordinating with the United States on intelligence and security operations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement affirming that the strikes were conducted in partnership with international allies to address “the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism” and emphasized that “terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
Meanwhile, officials from Nigeria’s Defence Ministry underscored that the military continues to prioritize the safety of all civilians while combating insurgent groups. Top Nigerian security sources noted that ISIS-affiliated factions and Boko Haram remain active in northern Nigeria, contributing to a complex security environment that requires both domestic and international collaboration.
Analysts have highlighted that the U.S. strikes are part of broader counter-terrorism efforts in Africa, combining intelligence sharing, joint operations, and precision targeting to disrupt militant networks. The Nigerian government, while welcoming foreign support, has reiterated that all operations must respect the country’s sovereignty and protect the rights and safety of civilians.
