US Strikes in Nigeria: An Unprecedented Military Intervention Amid Security Crisis and Religious Debate

On Thursday, December 25, 2025, the United States conducted several airstrikes against positions affiliated with the Islamic State organization in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria. These operations, confirmed by US President Donald Trump and the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), resulted in the deaths of several jihadist fighters. This marks the first direct US military intervention on Nigerian soil under the Trump administration.

In a statement published on his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump justified these strikes by the need to respond to the assassinations of Christians attributed to extremist groups operating in the region. The US President had, in recent weeks, issued multiple warnings, stating that Christians in Nigeria faced an « existential threat. » He promised further strikes if the violence continues.

The US Department of Defense released a short video showing the nighttime launch of a missile from a US-flagged warship. AFRICOM specified that the strikes were carried out « at the request of Nigerian authorities » and specifically targeted Islamic State fighters active in Sokoto State.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised the security cooperation between Washington and Abuja, expressing gratitude for the Nigerian government's support. For its part, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed « precision » US strikes « against terrorist targets, » emphasizing Nigeria's commitment to structured security cooperation with its international partners.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar indicated that the intelligence enabling the operation came from Nigeria. He also revealed that he had exchanged twice with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio before the strikes were launched. According to him, this intervention is part of an ongoing process, suggesting that other joint operations could follow.

On the ground, these strikes caused surprise and concern among local populations. In some rural areas of Sokoto State, residents claimed not to have previously identified a significant presence of Islamic State-affiliated groups. Some fear an escalation of the conflict and reprisals against civilians.

However, the Nigerian government was keen to clarify its position, denying any targeted religious persecution. Authorities reiterate that the fight against terrorism applies indiscriminately, regardless of the victims' faiths. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is relatively evenly divided between a predominantly Christian south and a predominantly Muslim north.

For several years, the country has faced a multiplicity of violence: jihadist insurgency in the northeast, criminal armed groups in the northwest, and communal conflicts in the center, often linked to access to land and resources rather than religious considerations. This violence affects both Christian and Muslim populations.