^{Photo: The Irish Times}

The United States has confirmed it carried out a targeted military strike against Islamic State affiliated militants operating in northwest Nigeria, acting at the formal request of the Nigerian government. U.S. officials said the operation focused on dismantling active ISIS cells accused of orchestrating deadly attacks across rural communities in the region.

According to U.S. Africa Command, the strike took place in Sokoto State and resulted in the deaths of multiple militants at known ISIS encampments. The operation was coordinated closely with Nigerian security forces, reflecting a broader intelligence sharing and counterterrorism partnership between the two countries.

White House and Military Response

President Donald Trump announced the strike publicly, emphasizing that the militants targeted were responsible for brutal violence against civilians, particularly Christian communities. He framed the operation as a decisive response to escalating attacks and described it as part of a wider effort to confront extremist groups wherever they operate.

Pentagon officials later confirmed that precision guided munitions were used, with video footage released showing at least one projectile launched from a U.S. naval platform. Defense officials said the strike was designed to minimize collateral damage while disrupting leadership and operational planning inside ISIS camps.

Nigeria–U.S. Security Cooperation

Nigeria’s foreign ministry stated that the operation was carried out under existing security cooperation agreements with the United States. These arrangements include intelligence sharing, aerial surveillance, and strategic coordination aimed at weakening militant networks across northern and northwestern Nigeria.

U.S. intelligence activities in the country have reportedly intensified in recent months, with surveillance flights covering large geographic areas since late November. Nigerian officials said these efforts have already contributed to multiple precision airstrikes against extremist targets.

Religious Violence and Political Sensitivities

The strike comes amid heightened international attention on religiously motivated violence in Nigeria. President Trump has repeatedly warned that Christian communities face severe threats, calling the situation an existential challenge. Nigerian authorities, however, have stressed that militant groups attack both Muslims and Christians and that the crisis cannot be reduced to a single religious narrative.

Nigeria remains deeply divided demographically, with a predominantly Muslim population in the north and a largely Christian population in the south. Officials argue that extremist violence is driven more by insurgency, criminality, and weak local security than by religion alone.

Broader Security Context

The strike followed a deadly attack earlier the same day in northeastern Nigeria, where a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and injured dozens more at a mosque. That region has long been plagued by Islamist insurgents linked to Islamic State and Boko Haram factions.

In a Christmas message, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu urged national unity and peaceful coexistence, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians regardless of faith and strengthening religious freedom nationwide.

U.S. Military Actions Beyond Nigeria

The Nigeria operation is part of a broader escalation in U.S. counterterrorism activity. Just days earlier, U.S. forces carried out large scale strikes against dozens of Islamic State targets in Syria, following a suspected ISIS attack on American personnel.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s cooperation and hinted at further actions, signaling that Washington intends to maintain pressure on Islamic State networks across multiple regions.

Strategic Implications

The strike underscores Washington’s willingness to project military power in partnership with regional governments to counter extremist threats. For Nigeria, the operation highlights growing reliance on foreign intelligence and precision strike capabilities as it struggles to contain insurgent violence across multiple fronts.

While officials on both sides describe the operation as a success, analysts note that long term stability will depend on sustained security reform, economic development, and local governance improvements in areas where militant groups continue to recruit and operate.