By Marvellous Nyang
December 26, 2025
Nigeria has confirmed that the United States carried out a precision air strike against Islamic State‑linked militants in Sokoto state, northwest Nigeria, in a coordinated counterterrorism operation.
The United States Africa Command said the strike targeted multiple ISIS camps at the request of Nigerian authorities and resulted in the deaths of several militants.
The action was ordered by US president Donald Trump, who said on social media that the operation targeted fighters he described as responsible for attacks on civilian populations, especially Christians.
Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, approved the strike, with the federal government stressing that the operation was conducted within the framework of joint security cooperation and intelligence sharing between Abuja and Washington.
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Nigerian foreign affairs minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria provided critical military intelligence for the operation and engaged in direct discussions with US secretary of state Marco Rubio in the lead‑up to the strike.
Tuggar said the action was planned over time and was intended solely to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, reiterated that the cooperation respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law and is focused on combating the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal urged calm among residents in Sokoto, emphasising that counterterrorism efforts are aimed at criminal and terrorist elements rather than innocent civilians, and commending the professionalism of Nigerian security forces working with their partners.
US military leadership, including Africa Command and defence officials, indicated that further operations against extremist networks in west africa could follow as part of sustained efforts to strengthen regional security.
