The United States, US, has launched air strikes against ISIS-linked fighters in Sokoto State, north-west Nigeria, marking a rare direct military action by the US government within Nigerian territory.
US President Donald Trump announced the operation in a post on Truth Social, describing the strikes as powerful and deadly, while confirming that they were ordered under his authority as Commander in Chief.
The US Africa Command, AFRICOM, later disclosed that the military action was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government, underscoring ongoing security cooperation between both countries.
“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.
The strikes follow earlier remarks by Trump in November, when he threatened to move against militants in Nigeria guns-a-blazing, citing claims by some US politicians that Christians were being systematically targeted in the country.
Formally announcing the operation, the US President said: “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!
“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.
“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.
“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 confirmed the air strikes, describing them as precision operations conducted within the framework of bilateral security collaboration. The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
“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 reads.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.
“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.
“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.”
The Federal Government added that it would sustain collaboration with international partners to strengthen domestic security and dismantle terrorist networks operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“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 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.”
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