In late December 2025, the United States carried out airstrikes on ISIS militants in northwestern Nigeria, a move that has sparked both praise and controversy. The strikes, which were framed by President Donald Trump as a decisive response to terrorist attacks targeting Christians, were conducted with Nigerian intelligence on the ground. The Nigerian government confirmed its role in providing critical intelligence, but the operation has ignited a wider debate about the sovereignty of Nigeria and the implications of foreign military involvement in internal conflicts.
This operation, coming just days after Trump’s remarks about Christian persecution in the region, highlights the complex relationship between Nigerian authorities and international partners, especially the United States, in tackling the growing threat of terrorism.
Nigeria’s Role in the Airstrikes
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria provided the US with detailed intelligence, which was crucial for the success of the airstrikes. According to Tuggar, he communicated directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio before and after the operation, making sure the strikes were coordinated.
“We spoke twice. We spoke for 19 minutes before the strike and then we spoke again for another five minutes before it went on,” Tuggar said in an interview with ChannelsTV, a local Nigerian network. This level of communication underscores the deep security cooperation between the two countries, particularly in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Tuggar was careful to emphasize that the operation was a joint effort. He reassured the public that the strikes were not aimed at any particular religion but were part of a broader strategy to combat ISIS and other extremist groups in the region.
Trump’s Announcement of the Strikes
On Christmas Day, President Trump used his Truth Social platform to announce that the US had launched what he described as “powerful and deadly strikes” against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria. He framed the attack as retaliation for what he referred to as the militants’ “vicious killings of innocent Christians,” further noting that their actions were some of the most violent in recent history.
In his post, Trump remarked, “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!” Trump’s choice of language, especially his emotive tone, stirred controversy, particularly his comment wishing “Merry Christmas to all, including the dead Terrorists.”
Trump’s announcement was backed by the US Department of War, which reiterated the success of the airstrikes in targeting ISIS militants. However, the emotive language used in the post has led to mixed reactions, particularly in Nigeria, where many people questioned the framing of the operation as targeting Christians.
Reactions in Nigeria: Support and Criticism
While some Nigerians, particularly those in the Sokoto region, have expressed support for the strikes, others have raised concerns about the implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty. Former Senator Shehu Sani, a prominent Nigerian politician, took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment on the operation. He suggested that if the US strikes were indeed a joint operation with Nigerian authorities, then they could be justified as part of the broader fight against terrorism in the region.
“If actually, the military strikes against the terrorist targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian authorities’, as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action,” Sani wrote. His comments reflect the nuanced opinion of many Nigerians who see the US intervention as a necessary step in the fight against ISIS and terrorist groups.
On the other hand, activist Omoyele Sowore voiced strong opposition to the airstrikes, accusing President Trump of infringing on Nigeria’s sovereignty. “Judging by the nature of the confirmed strike on a village in Sokoto, it is clear that the US President under whose authority this operation occurred neither understands nor genuinely cares about Nigeria or Nigerians,” Sowore wrote on X.
This criticism highlights the complexities of foreign military involvement in internal conflicts. While the US has framed its actions as helping to fight ISIS and protect Christian communities, critics argue that such operations may undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and self-determination.
ISIS and Terrorism in North-Western Nigeria
The northwestern region of Nigeria, especially Sokoto, has been plagued by terrorism from groups like ISIS, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa. These groups have targeted both Muslims and Christians alike in an effort to impose extremist ideologies. The region has long been a battleground for control, with local militants seeking to establish a caliphate and gain influence over large areas.
The US airstrikes targeted ISIS positions in Sokoto, but the precise nature of the militant groups involved remains unclear. While Trump’s announcement focused on attacks against Christians, Sokoto is a predominantly Muslim state, and groups like Lakurawa have been responsible for terrorist activity in the area. This has led some to question whether the US strikes were solely aimed at ISIS or whether they also impacted other militant groups in the region.
Local reports suggest that the airstrikes were aimed at ISIS terrorists, but the lack of verifiable information about the exact targets and the aftermath has raised concerns about the potential civilian toll. The Sokoto region, with its complex mix of religious and political dynamics, remains a flashpoint in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
The Role of US-Nigerian Cooperation
While the strikes have sparked debate, they underscore the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Nigeria has been working closely with international partners, including the United States, to address the persistent threat posed by extremist groups. Intelligence sharing, as evidenced by the US-Nigeria collaboration, is crucial in preventing further terrorist activity and protecting civilian populations.
However, as the Sokoto operation has shown, the involvement of foreign powers in Nigeria’s internal security affairs can be contentious. The Nigerian government must balance its cooperation with the US while ensuring that its sovereignty is respected and that local perspectives on security are taken into account.
Conclusion
The US airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria represent a complex moment in the ongoing fight against ISIS and other militant groups in the region. While the Nigerian government has supported the strikes and emphasized the importance of international cooperation, critics argue that the operation infringes on Nigeria’s sovereignty. As ISIS and other extremist groups continue to threaten stability in the region, the US and Nigeria will need to navigate a delicate balance between security collaboration and respecting national borders. The mixed reactions to the Sokoto strikes highlight the ongoing debate about the role of foreign military interventions in African conflicts and the impact of these actions on local sovereignty.
