Authorities in Nigeria have verified that recent military air operations targeting Islamic State militants in the northwest region of the country, specifically in Sokoto State, were executed in partnership with the United States government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria highlighted that the airstrikes were the product of an established framework of security cooperation between the two nations, which facilitated intelligence sharing and a unified operational strategy.
According to official statements, this coordinated approach enabled precise targeting of terrorist encampments, leading to effective air assaults that significantly impaired militant positions across the northwest region. The Ministry underscored the collaborative nature of the operation, emphasizing that it exemplifies the structured joint efforts designed to counter terrorism within Nigerian territory.
Support for this account was provided by the U.S. Africa Command, which confirmed that the strikes were conducted with Nigerian authorities and resulted in the elimination of multiple ISIS fighters situated in recognized militant camps. This operation represents a synchronized military campaign intending to disrupt and dismantle extremist networks operating in the area.
On December 25, while at Mar-a-Lago observing his traditional holiday stay, then-President Donald Trump publicized via his social media platform, Truth Social, the initiation of these military strikes against ISIS targets in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria. Following this announcement, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also publicly acknowledged the Nigerian government for its cooperation and support during the operation, reinforcing the message of collaborative security engagement.
Earlier in the month, President Trump had issued warnings regarding potential U.S. military intervention in Nigeria as a response to reported attacks against Christian communities within the country. This rhetoric elicited a response from the African Union, which urged the United States to prioritize diplomatic dialogue with Nigeria over unilateral military actions.
Subsequently, in late November, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held discussions with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The focus of their meeting was the escalating violence targeting Christians, illustrating the U.S. commitment to monitoring and addressing security concerns in Nigeria through both military and diplomatic channels.
This sequence of events underscores the complexity and urgency of addressing militant threats in Nigeria. The joint airstrikes serve as a tangible manifestation of U.S.-Nigeria cooperation, while diplomatic efforts continue to seek sustainable solutions to ongoing violence and instability.