US airstrikes in Nigeria: Sokoto, Nigeria, December 26, 2025. On Thursday, December 25, 2025, the United States of America carried out coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) militants in northwest Nigeria’s Sokoto State.
The military action, which took place late on Christmas Day at the direction of U.S. President Donald J. Trump, targeted extremist fighters believed to be planning large-scale attacks inside Nigeria.
Details of the Military Operation
The strikes were conducted by U.S. military forces under the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Targets were Islamic State militants, including fighters affiliated with IS-Sahel Province, an extremist faction active across parts of West Africa.
According to U.S. statements, the airstrikes involved precision missile and aerial strikes and resulted in multiple militant casualties.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria provided vital intelligence for the operation and that the action was carried out with the federal government’s approval.
Military planners reportedly used long-range platforms, including missile systems launched from maritime positions in the Gulf of Guinea, to strike militant positions in rugged terrain.
US airstrikes in Nigeria: U.S. Presidential Statement
President Donald J. Trump publicly announced the strikes in a message on his Truth Social platform, framing the operation as a decisive response to extremist violence:
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria… I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay…
The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing…”
Trump described the militant group as having “targeted and viciously killed, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries,” and vowed that the United States “will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”
Nigerian Government’s Position
The Federal Government of Nigeria confirmed that it authorized the operation and worked jointly with U.S. forces.
Foreign Minister Tuggar emphasised that the joint action was not intended to single out any religious community and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism while protecting all citizens.
Officials in Abuja highlighted that Nigeria’s security cooperation with international partners, including intelligence sharing and strategic planning, predates the December strikes.
Background
Sokoto State, in northwest Nigeria, borders Niger and has seen rising militant activity from IS-linked groups over the past year.
Boko Haram and other extremist networks including IS affiliates have long been responsible for insurgency, kidnapping, and attacks across Nigeria’s north.
President Trump’s administration earlier designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, linking U.S. engagement to concerns over attacks on Christian communities.
Reactions and Aftermath
Local residents in affected areas reported explosions, ground tremors and glowing skies on Christmas night, indicating the intensity of the strikes.
Analysts stress that the operation marks a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in West Africa, a region plagued by overlapping insurgencies.
Both the U.S. and Nigerian governments indicate continued cooperation in counterterrorism, although reactions to the framing of the operation especially religious justification vary among officials and observers. US airstrikes in Nigeria:
Reuters: US says it struck Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria.
Associated Press: US launches strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria after attacks target Christians.
ThisDayLive, Premium Times, Sky News reporting on Trump announcement and Nigerian approval.
NigerianEye and other local reporting on intelligence cooperation.
Multiple news agencies confirm precision strikes and coordination.
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