Amanze Chinonye
The United States and Nigeria carried out coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) hideouts in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria, killing many terrorists according to US President, Donald Trump.
Prime Business Africa reports that the air strikes were part of a joint counterterrorism operation conducted on Christmas-Day, December 25, 2025.
The operation was executed by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) at the direction of the President of the United States and the U.S. Secretary of War, in close coordination with Nigerian authorities. AFRICOM said its initial assessment shows that multiple ISIS fighters were killed at the targeted camps, although specific operational details were withheld for security reasons.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelCommander of AFRICOM, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, said the strikes highlight growing counterterrorism cooperation between the United States, Nigeria and regional partners confronting extremist violence.
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According to Anderson, the mission was designed to disrupt violent extremist networks and prevent further attacks on civilians, adding that the United States would continue to work with partners across the region to counter emerging threats.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the airstrikes in a statement, describing them as the outcome of structured intelligence and security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States. The ministry said the cooperation, which involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, resulted in precision strikes on terrorist targets in the North West.
The ministry stressed that the operation was conducted in line with international law and with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, reiterating that the protection of civilian lives remains central to all counterterrorism efforts.
Security analysts say the strikes likely targeted camps linked to ISIS-aligned groups operating in the region, including Lakurawa, which has expanded its presence across parts of Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi State. Malik Samuel, a Nigerian security researcher at Good Governance Africa, said the group has exploited weak state presence in remote areas.
“Lakurawa is a group that is actually controlling territories in Nigeria, in Sokoto State and in other states like Kebbi,” Samuel said, noting that ideologically driven extremist groups have gained ground in the North West due to limited security coverage in key hotspots.
The operation comes amid heightened pressure from Washington over Nigeria’s security situation. U.S. President Trump has repeatedly raised concerns about extremist violence in the country, ordering the Pentagon last month to begin contingency planning for possible military action linked to what he describes as religiously motivated attacks.
In recent weeks, the U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on Nigerians and their family members accused of involvement in attacks on Christians, while Washington also designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.
Reacting to the strikes, Trump said U.S. defence officials had carried out “numerous perfect strikes,” declaring that the United States would not allow radical Islamic terrorism to thrive.
Nigeria’s government has consistently rejected the portrayal of the violence as affecting only one religious group, insisting that extremist attacks have claimed victims across faiths and communities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that terrorism remains a threat to Christians, Muslims and others alike, undermining national unity and international peace.
With an estimated population of over 220 million people, almost evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, Nigeria continues to face overlapping security challenges, including Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked insurgency, banditry in the North West, farmer-herder clashes, communal disputes, secessionist tensions and ethnic violence.
Despite a reduced U.S. military footprint in parts of Africa, American officials have signalled readiness to act against extremist threats. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces were “always ready,” adding that ISIS militants were hit on Christmas Day with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian government.
The Federal Government said it will continue working with international partners to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, prevent cross-border threats and strengthen Nigeria’s security and intelligence institutions, while keeping the public informed through official channels.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
