The United States has launched air strikes against suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria, in what American and Nigerian officials describe as a coordinated counterterrorism attack.
The terrorist group operating in Nigeria under the ISIS banner is known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which is primarily active in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin but has recently expanded operations into other regions.
Confirming the development, US President Donald Trump announced the strikes in a post on Truth Social, describing them as “powerful and deadly.” He said the operation was carried out under his directive as Commander-in-Chief.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the attack in a statement posted on X, noting that the air strike was executed “at the request of Nigerian authorities.” According to AFRICOM, the operation underscores Washington’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and preventing threats to US interests and allies.
“Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” AFRICOM stated.
President Trump linked the operation to earlier warnings he issued in November, when he threatened decisive military action against terrorists in Nigeria amid claims by some US lawmakers that Christians were being targeted for violence in the country.
Announcing the air raid, Trump accused ISIS fighters of carrying out brutal attacks, particularly against Christians, and vowed continued military action if such violence persists. He added that the strikes were executed by what he referred to as the “Department of War,” praising the US military’s precision and capability.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the air strikes were conducted within the framework of existing security cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners. In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the operation as “precision hits” aligned with ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
