The United States has carried out airstrikes on hideouts of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria.
ISWAP is an affiliate of the Islamic State group and is known to operate mainly in Nigeria’s North-East region and the Lake Chad Basin.
Confirming the development, U.S. President Donald Trump said the strikes were “powerful and deadly.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that the operation was conducted under his directive as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries,” he said.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the air raid, saying it was carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities.
“Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” AFRICOM said in a post on X.
Trump further stated that the strikes followed earlier warnings to the terrorist group.
“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he said.
According to him, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”
He added, “May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the airstrikes were part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry said the “precision hits” aligned with established frameworks for counter-terrorism collaboration.
“Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” the statement said.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” it added.
The ministry noted that the cooperation involved intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support consistent with international law.
“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” the statement read.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and upholding national unity.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” it said.
The government added that it would continue to work with international partners to strengthen security across the country.
“Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the statement said.
It added, “The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.”
