US Launches Airstrikes Against ISIS in Nigeria

The US launched 'powerful and deadly' airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in north-western Nigeria on December 25, targeting camps near the border with Niger. The operation, described as a 'joint operation' by Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, resulted in 'multiple' fatalities, according to the US military. The strikes were carried out with the approval of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and were aimed at Lakurawa, a group linked to IS and jihadist networks in Mali and Niger. The US has previously accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from jihadist attacks, with former President Donald Trump labelling Nigeria a 'country of particular concern' due to 'severe violations of religious freedom'. The airstrikes are part of a broader US effort to combat IS in the region, following a 'massive strike' against IS in Syria the previous week.

The United States launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, 2025, as announced by President Trump. The strikes were described as 'powerful and deadly' and were carried out after weeks of accusations by Trump that Nigeria's government was not doing enough to stop the persecution of Christians. The Nigerian government acknowledged the strikes and stated that they had been given advanced notice. The U.S. Africa Command reported that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the strikes. The action is part of a broader context of U.S. military engagement against ISIS and concerns over religious persecution in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government confirmed that it shared intelligence with the US before Christmas night airstrikes on ISIS targets in the country. The airstrikes were ordered by President Donald Trump, who accused ISIS militants of killing Christians in Nigeria. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the cooperation with the US led to 'precision hits on terrorist targets' and that the country is committed to protecting civilian lives and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens. The airstrikes reportedly hit terrorist camps in Jabo, a rural community in Sokoto State, with multiple ISIS militants killed. The US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, praised the strikes, saying they showed that Trump would 'fight for' Christians in Nigeria and around the world.