The United States has carried out airstrikes targeting militants linked to the Islamic State group in northwestern Nigeria, killing several fighters, according to US and Nigerian officials.
US President Donald Trump and the American military said the operation was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government in Sokoto state, where the militant group was allegedly planning attacks against local communities. US officials said the extremists posed a serious threat to civilians in the area.
In a statement, the US Africa Command (USAFRICOM) said the strike was launched after close coordination with Nigerian security agencies. The operation relied on shared intelligence and targeted locations believed to be used by ISIS-affiliated militants to plan and direct attacks in the region.
President Trump, speaking on Christmas Eve, said the United States would continue to take firm action against terrorism. He emphasized that Washington would not stand by while innocent civilians were targeted by extremist groups. The US Secretary of Defense also praised Nigeria for its cooperation and signaled that counterterrorism collaboration between the two countries would continue.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the airstrike, describing it as part of an ongoing security partnership with the United States aimed at weakening extremist networks operating within the country. Nigerian officials, however, stressed that violence in the region is complex and driven by multiple factors, noting that insecurity cannot be reduced to attacks on any single religious or ethnic community.
Large parts of Nigeria have struggled with the presence of extremist groups for years, particularly in the north, where militants have carried out attacks on civilians, security forces, and infrastructure. Despite sustained military operations, Nigerian authorities continue to face serious challenges in restoring long-term stability.
The latest operation highlights the growing international focus on security developments in the region, as Nigeria and its partners work to curb the influence of extremist organizations and prevent further violence.
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