US Carries Out Airstrikes On Islamic State in Nigeria

The United States has carried out coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in northwest Nigeria, in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, as part of ongoing efforts to curb extremist violence in the region.

US President Donald Trump announced the operation on Thursday, describing the strikes as “powerful and deadly.” In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the airstrikes targeted Islamic State fighters responsible for attacks on civilians, including Christians.

The US Africa Command confirmed that the strikes were conducted in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian security agencies, adding that several militants were killed during the operation.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the development, stating that the airstrikes were the result of structured security cooperation and intelligence sharing between Nigeria and the United States.

In a press release issued on Friday in Abuja, the ministry said the collaboration aligns with international best practices and bilateral agreements, and is carried out with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.

“The cooperation involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support aimed at addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” the statement said.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signalled that further action could follow, posting on social media that there was “more to come” in the fight against extremist groups, while thanking the Nigerian government for its cooperation.

While US officials have framed the strikes as a response to attacks on Christians, Nigerian authorities have stressed that the country’s security challenges are complex and not driven solely by religious motives, noting that militants have targeted communities across religious and ethnic lines.

The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to protecting all civilians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and that terrorist violence in any form is an affront to national values and international peace.

The Federal Government said it would continue working with international partners to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, prevent cross-border threats and strengthen Nigeria’s security and intelligence capabilities.

The ministry added that it would keep the public informed through official channels as engagements with international partners continue.