US Conducts Coordinated Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Nigeria Amid Ongoing Violence
On Christmas Day 2025, the United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Sokoto state, northwest Nigeria, in coordination with Nigerian authorities, according to Africom. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria provided intelligence for the strikes and described the operations as part of a joint ongoing effort aimed at protecting Nigerians and innocent lives. Tuggar emphasized that the operation is not targeted at any religion and highlighted conversations with US counterpart Marco Rubio and Nigerian President Tinubu regarding the collaboration.
This military action follows a Christmas Eve mosque bombing in northeast Nigeria, which killed at least five people and injured over 30. The Nigerian army attributed the attack to Boko Haram, underscoring the continuing violence across different regions of Nigeria. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) indicates approximately 6,000 violence-related incidents in Nigeria throughout 2025, with Sokoto accounting for 353 incidents and Katsina reporting 706.
US defence official Pete Hegseth publicly warned that more strikes would be forthcoming, citing directives from the president and the readiness of US forces to continue action. He also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its support in these efforts. Additionally, former US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social claiming he directed strikes against ISIS in Northwest Nigeria and issued a warning about consequences if killings of Christians persisted.
