The United States, with the consent of the Federal Government of Nigeria, carried out precision airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria on Thursday night, U.S. and Nigerian officials have confirmed.
The operation marked the first major US military action on Nigerian soil this year and has reignited debate over the evolving nature of insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation.
According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the strikes were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities and targeted ISIS-linked fighters operating in Sokoto State. US officials said multiple militants were killed, though exact casualty figures were not disclosed.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the action as a joint operation against terrorists, stressing that it “has nothing to do with a particular religion.” He said further strikes were possible, depending on decisions taken by the leadership of both countries.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters in Abuja confirmed the joint operation. Its spokesman, Major-General Samaila Uba, said:
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria. The operation was executed with the approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities and forms part of ongoing coordinated efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“The strike followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the capability of the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage. The operation underscores the resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with strategic partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within Nigeria’s borders.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and to supporting joint and inter-agency efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the country.”
US President Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform late Thursday, described the strikes as “powerful and deadly,” saying they targeted ISIS militants in northwestern Nigeria. He added that US forces had executed “numerous perfect strikes” and warned that further action could follow.
Trump’s comments have drawn international attention. In recent weeks, he has accused militant groups in Nigeria of targeting Christians and earlier this year designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under US law, a designation that can carry the risk of sanctions.
However, analysts and Nigerian officials argue that the country’s security crisis is more complex than a purely religious narrative. Authorities maintain that extremist violence affects both Muslim and Christian communities, noting that Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other groups have killed victims across faiths.
Security experts also warn that jihadist elements are expanding beyond their traditional strongholds in Borno and Yobe states into western and northwestern regions, including Sokoto, raising concerns about ungoverned spaces becoming safe havens for extremists.
While the Pentagon has released limited operational details, video footage published by US authorities showed munitions launched from a US warship in the Gulf of Guinea, indicating naval involvement in the operation.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Nigeria’s cooperation and suggested that additional operations could take place, reiterating Washington’s commitment to countering extremist threats.
Nigeria has battled Islamist insurgency for more than a decade, particularly from Boko Haram and its ISWAP offshoot, a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since 2009. Violence linked to banditry, ethnic militias, and extremist groups has also spread across central and northwestern regions.
Just a day before the US strikes, a suspected suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri killed at least five worshippers and wounded dozens, underscoring the multi-front nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.
Analysts say the effectiveness of such military actions will depend on sustained regional cooperation, improved intelligence capabilities, and broader strategies that address the socio-economic drivers of extremism.
US launches airstrikes on Islamic State in Northwestern Nigeria
