US Launches Airstrikes on Islamic State Militants in Northwest Nigeria
News Updated: 26 December 2025 09:21 EAT
US President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at White House during Christmas Celebrations
The United States has carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting groups accused of carrying out deadly attacks, including killings of Christians. US President Donald Trump announced the operation, describing it as a decisive military action against extremist fighters operating in the region.
In a statement shared on social media, President Trump said the strikes were ordered after repeated warnings to the militants. He said the United States had launched what he called a “powerful and deadly strike” against Islamic State fighters who, according to him, had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the strikes were conducted against Islamic State targets and said the operation was carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities. AFRICOM said several militants were killed in what it described as precision strikes aimed at degrading the group’s operational capacity.
The Nigerian government acknowledged the strikes, terming them a joint counter-terrorism operation. In a statement, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the action was part of “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States,” to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The ministry added that the cooperation led to “precision hits on terrorist targets in the North West,” while stressing that Nigeria remains committed to working with allies within the framework of international law and respect for national sovereignty.
While President Trump framed the strikes largely around attacks on Christians, Nigerian officials emphasized that extremist violence affects multiple communities. The government said “terrorist violence, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and international peace.”
The strikes mark a notable escalation of direct US military involvement in Nigeria’s fight against Islamic State-linked groups. Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges from several armed factions, and officials on both sides indicated that cooperation could continue if militant attacks persist.
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FELIX MAKONA
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