The United States has confirmed it carried out targeted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants operating in northwest Nigeria, following requests from the Nigerian government. The operation, described by US officials as highly precise, was conducted in collaboration with Nigerian security forces.
Former US President Donald Trump announced the development on Thursday via his Truth Social account, stating that the strikes were ordered under his authority and aimed at neutralizing extremist fighters accused of carrying out deadly attacks in the region.
According to Trump, the militants had been responsible for violent assaults on civilian populations, particularly targeting Christian communities.
Africom Confirms Strike Location and Casualties
The US military’s Africa Command (Africom) said the operation took place in Sokoto State, an area that has recently witnessed increased militant activity. Africom confirmed that multiple Islamic State operatives were killed during the strike, which was conducted using intelligence shared between both countries.
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Military officials emphasized that the action was part of broader counterterrorism efforts designed to disrupt militant networks and degrade their operational capabilities.
Nigeria Cites Ongoing Security Cooperation
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the strikes, describing them as part of an existing security partnership with the United States. The ministry said intelligence sharing and strategic coordination between both governments enabled accurate targeting of extremist camps in the northwest.
“This collaboration has resulted in precision air operations against terrorist elements threatening national security,” the ministry said in a statement shared on social media platform X.
Pentagon Releases Footage
The Pentagon later released video footage appearing to show a missile launch from a US naval vessel. A US defense official confirmed that the strike targeted known Islamic State encampments, where several militants were believed to be operating.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly thanked Nigerian authorities for their cooperation, adding in a brief statement: “More operations will follow.”
Diverging Views on Religious Targeting
While US officials have repeatedly raised concerns about violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, the Nigerian government has maintained that armed groups attack civilians regardless of religious affiliation.
Authorities in Abuja argue that the country’s security challenges are complex and cut across religious, ethnic, and regional lines. Nonetheless, Nigeria has expressed willingness to deepen military collaboration with international partners to combat extremist violence.
Nigeria’s population is nearly evenly divided, with Muslim communities predominantly in the north and Christians largely concentrated in the south.
Fresh Violence in the Northeast
Earlier on Thursday, Nigerian police reported that a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and injured dozens at a mosque in the country’s northeast — another region plagued by Islamist insurgency.
The attack underscores the persistent security threats facing Africa’s most populous nation.
Tinubu Calls for Peace and Religious Tolerance
In a Christmas message posted on X, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged citizens to embrace peace and coexistence, particularly across religious lines.
“I remain committed to safeguarding religious freedom and protecting Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence,” the president said.
Broader US Military Operations
The Nigeria strike follows recent US military actions in Syria, where American forces conducted large-scale air operations against Islamic State positions. Those strikes came after a suspected IS-linked attack on US personnel in the region.
With additional reporting from international news agencies.
