U.S. Launches Airstrikes on Islamic State Targets in Northwest Nigeria
Washington / Abuja - The United States has carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants operating in northwest Nigeria, according to statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump on Christmas Day.
The strikes, confirmed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), were conducted at the request of the Nigerian government and targeted fighters affiliated with Islamic State in the region. U.S. officials stated that multiple militants were killed during the operation, though exact casualty figures have not been released .
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump said the action was taken in response to recent attacks by Islamist militants, which he claimed had disproportionately affected Christian communities in northern Nigeria. Trump used strong language to describe the militants and framed the operation as part of a broader effort to combat terrorism and protect civilians.
AFRICOM, however, adopted a more measured tone, emphasising that the strikes were coordinated with Nigerian authorities and formed part of ongoing international cooperation to counter violent extremist groups in West Africa. The command stated that the objective was to degrade the operational capacity of Islamic State militants and prevent further attacks on civilian populations and security forces .
Complex Security Landscape in Nigeria
Nigeria has faced years of instability driven by multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). While some attacks have targeted churches and Christian communities, Nigerian authorities have consistently maintained that extremist violence affects both Christian and Muslim civilians, as well as security personnel.
Analysts note that Nigeria’s security crisis is rooted in a combination of factors, including poverty, weak state presence in rural areas, criminal banditry, and long-running insurgencies. Nigerian officials have previously pushed back against attempts to frame the violence solely along religious lines, arguing that such narratives oversimplify the conflict and risk inflaming tensions.
International Implications
The U.S. intervention marks a significant escalation in direct American military involvement in Nigeria in recent years. While the United States has long provided intelligence, training, and logistical support to Nigerian forces, direct airstrikes are comparatively rare and politically sensitive.
There has been no immediate public response from Nigeria’s presidency beyond confirmation of cooperation with U.S. forces. Regional observers will be watching closely to see whether the strikes have any measurable impact on militant activity or whether they prompt retaliation by extremist groups.
As insecurity continues to destabilise parts of northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, international cooperation alongside domestic political and economic reforms remains central to efforts aimed at restoring long term stability.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media
Newsdesk
26 December 2025
