The United States military has carried out a significant series of airstrikes against ISIS-affiliated targets in Nigeria, marking a notable escalation in international counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa.
Christmas Day Operation in Sokoto
On 25 December 2025, American forces executed the operation in Nigeria's Sokoto state. The action was directed by President Donald Trump and authorised by his Defence Secretary. Initial reports confirm the strikes resulted in multiple fatalities among the militant group's ranks.
President Trump publicly announced what he termed a 'powerful and deadly strike' via his Truth Social platform. He stated the objective was to target 'ISIS Terrorist Scum' whom he accused of 'viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians' within Nigeria.
Coordination and Conflicting Narratives
The operation was not undertaken unilaterally. A US military spokesperson confirmed it was conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government. Nigerian authorities verified their support, highlighting cooperation that included an exchange of intelligence to facilitate the mission's success.
While President Trump and several church leaders have framed the violence as specifically targeting the Christian community, this perspective is nuanced on the ground. Nigeria's government and regional experts consistently note that extremist violence from groups like ISIS and Boko Haram affects civilians across religious lines, including both Muslims and Christians.
Warning of Further Action
In a statement following the strikes, Trump's Defence Secretary issued a stark warning, indicating that 'more strikes are to come' if the threat persists. This signals a potential sustained campaign rather than a one-off retaliatory measure, suggesting a new phase of direct US military involvement in Nigeria's complex security landscape.
The development underscores the persistent threat posed by ISIS affiliates in the Sahel region and raises questions about the future scope of international military partnerships in combating insurgencies across Africa.
