Wayne Lumbasi
The United States has carried out a series of powerful airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Nigeria, following what President Donald Trump described as persistent and brutal attacks on civilians, particularly Christian communities.
In a statement released on Christmas Day, Trump said he had ordered the strikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwest Nigeria, accusing the group of carrying out mass killings of civilians. He claimed the operation was swift, precise and devastating, though he did not provide specific details on the number of strikes conducted or the casualties inflicted.
U.S. Africa Command later confirmed that American forces had conducted airstrikes targeting Islamic State militants in the region. According to U.S. officials, the operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities and focused on extremist camps believed to be linked to the Islamic State’s West Africa network. While the military said multiple fighters were killed, it stopped short of releasing casualty figures or operational specifics.
The strikes reportedly took place in Nigeria’s northwest, an area that has seen rising militant and bandit activity in recent years. The region is distinct from Nigeria’s northeast, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have waged a prolonged insurgency for more than a decade. Security analysts say extremist factions have increasingly expanded operations beyond traditional conflict zones, complicating Nigeria’s already fragile security landscape.
Trump framed the military action as a response to what he described as escalating attacks on civilians, particularly Christian communities, and warned that further strikes could follow if violence continues. His remarks signal a more aggressive U.S. posture toward extremist groups operating in Africa, especially those aligned with Islamic State.
Nigerian officials have not publicly detailed the scope of the operation but have previously acknowledged cooperation with international partners, including the United States, in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts. Abuja has long faced pressure to contain multiple security threats ranging from jihadist insurgencies and armed banditry to communal violence and separatist unrest.
For now, key details remain unclear, including the precise number of strikes carried out, the identities of those killed, and whether additional operations are planned. What is clear is that the U.S. action underscores growing international concern over the spread of extremist violence in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.
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