President Donald Trump ordered U.S. airstrikes on ISIS in Nigeria on Christmas day, targeting militants in northwest Sokoto State. The strikes came after Nigeria and the United States agreed to coordinate against extremist threats spreading from the Sahel region.
Military officials said they carried out precision attacks on two Islamic State camps at the Bauni forest in Tangaza Local Government Area. The operations used Tomahawk missiles and MQ-9 Reaper drones launched from the Gulf of Guinea, and Nigerian authorities provided key intelligence support.
Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that both governments planned the strike in line with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. The Ministry of Information added that 16 GPS-guided munitions hit suspected ISIS positions without harming civilians.
President Trump said the U.S. airstrikes aimed to degrade extremist capabilities and warned of further action if militants continued violence. He framed the attack as retaliation for Islamist attacks on communities, particularly Christians in northern Nigeria.
Nigerian officials stressed that the joint operation reflects deepening security cooperation and mutual commitment to regional stability. However, analysts warned that military action alone may not end long-standing insurgency, noting the involvement of multiple militant factions in Nigeria’s complex conflict.
Many Nigerians expressed mixed reactions online, with some supporting decisive action against ISIS affiliates and others urging caution to avoid civilian harm. One user on X wrote, “We need peace, not more explosions,” while another said, “Foreign help was needed to stop these terrorists.”
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government welcomed measures aimed at curbing terrorism and protecting citizens. Authorities continue monitoring the area to ensure resident safety and stability after the strikes.
