US Strikes Target ISIS in Nigeria Amid Rising Violence

Fri Dec 26 2025 23:24:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump announces U.S. airstrikes against ISIS-affiliated militants in Nigeria, following accusations of worsening persecution of Christians.

In a significant military action, President Donald Trump revealed that the United States launched airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria’s Sokoto state. This move follows mounting criticisms regarding the Nigerian government's inability to curb violence against religious communities. The U.S. cooperated with Nigeria, ensuring strategic coordination, while concerns persist over the broader security crisis affecting both Christians and Muslims in the region. This comes as Nigeria struggles with various armed groups, further complicating the security landscape.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States executed a powerful and deadly airstrike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria's northwestern Sokoto state. This announcement follows weeks of criticisms aimed at the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christians from extremist violence.

Details surrounding the airstrikes remain undisclosed, including the extent of damage caused. A Defense Department official stated that the U.S. coordinated these strikes with Nigerian authorities, who approved the operation.

The collaboration focused on intelligence sharing and strategic coordination while adhering to international law and mutual respect for sovereignty. However, the impact of these strikes is yet to be confirmed.

Nigeria's Struggle with Armed Groups

Nigeria faces numerous armed groups, including two aligned with ISIS: the Islamic State West Africa Province and the emerging Lakurawa group. Analysts suggest that the U.S. airstrikes likely targeted the Lakurawa group, known for its lethal actions against local communities and security forces.

Security expert Malik Samuel emphasized that the Lakurawa group controls territories in Sokoto and is expanding its violent activities in the region.

Widespread Violence Affecting Communities

Trump stated that these strikes were aimed at IS militants targeting innocent Christians. However, Nigerian security analysts highlighted that the violence impacts both Christians and Muslims alike. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that all terrorist violence undermines Nigeria's values and poses a risk to international peace and security.

U.S. Measures and Nigeria's Security Situation

In recent months, Trump ordered the Pentagon to consider military strategies to address Christian persecution in Nigeria, which included visa restrictions for Nigerians involved in violence against Christians, labeling Nigeria a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.

Trump emphasized that U.S. forces are always ready to combat radical Islamic terrorism. The ongoing crisis in Nigeria is exacerbated by groups like Boko Haram, which targets both Muslims and Christians, leading to a complex security landscape influenced by religious, ethnic, and resource-based conflicts.

With the U.S. military footprint in Africa diminishing, the effectiveness of these airstrikes remains to be seen, as Nigeria continues to grapple with violence affecting both its Christian and Muslim populations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the killing of innocents must cease, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to supporting the Nigerian government in these efforts.