ABUJA, December 26, 2025 – Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement early Friday confirming continued collaboration with the United States in counterterrorism efforts, following U.S.-led airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria's Sokoto State on Christmas Day.
The statement emphasized structured bilateral security partnerships, including intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, which resulted in "precision hits on terrorist targets" in the northwest region. It underscored Nigeria's commitment to protecting civilians and national unity, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliations, while rejecting any framing of terrorism as exclusively targeting specific communities.
"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 ministry said. "This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by airstrikes in the North West."
The ministry added that counterterrorism operations prioritize civilian safety, respect for human rights, and adherence to international law and sovereignty. "Terrorism in any form directed against any community is an affront to Nigeria’s values and undermines international peace and security," it noted, pledging ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, financing, and cross-border threats while bolstering domestic capabilities.
The announcement came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on his Truth Social platform that he had authorized "powerful and deadly" strikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, whom he accused of primarily targeting Christians.
"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 posted. He referenced prior warnings to the militants and praised the "numerous perfect strikes" executed by the "Department of War" (the administration's term for the Defense Department).
Trump concluded: "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."
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the operation, stating it was conducted "in coordination with Nigerian authorities" in Sokoto State, with an initial assessment indicating "multiple ISIS terrorists" killed in camps. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for Nigerian support, hinting at potential follow-up actions.
The strikes involved Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a U.S. Navy vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, targeting known ISIS infrastructure. No civilian casualties were reported in initial assessments, though details remain limited.
This incident follows months of heightened U.S. rhetoric on Nigeria's security challenges. Trump has repeatedly highlighted violence against Christians, redesignating Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations and threatening intervention, including "guns-a-blazing" action if attacks persisted. Advocacy groups have reported thousands of Christian deaths in 2025, amid broader insurgencies by ISIS West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other groups.
However, Nigerian officials and analysts describe the violence as complex, involving banditry, resource conflicts, and extremism affecting both Muslims and Christians disproportionately in certain contexts. Data from monitoring groups indicate militants have killed more Muslims overall, with public spaces and northern regions bearing the brunt.
The operation aligns with longstanding U.S.-Nigeria counterterrorism ties, including training, intelligence, and occasional strikes. It marks Trump's latest kinetic action in his second term, following strikes in Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere, reflecting a selective approach to combating Islamist threats while prioritizing Christian persecution concerns resonant with his base.
As investigations continue, the strikes underscore evolving bilateral dynamics, with Nigeria balancing sovereignty assertions against shared interests in regional stability amid Sahel spillover threats.
