The United States recently launched "powerful and deadly" airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, an action that Nigeria confirmed was part of its ongoing security cooperation with international partners. These strikes, reportedly carried out in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, killed multiple ISIS terrorists. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strikes, stating they were directed at ISIS militants who had been "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians" in Nigeria.
Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its authorities are engaged in structured security cooperation with the U.S. to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This collaboration included intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, leading to "precision hits on terrorist targets". Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar indicated that Nigeria provided intelligence for the strikes and that President Bola Tinubu had approved them. He further welcomed the cooperation, emphasizing Nigeria's long-standing desire to work with the U.S. and other countries to combat terrorism.
The U.S. Defense Department confirmed that the strikes were conducted with Nigeria's approval and cooperation. U.S. Africa Command stated that it is working with Nigerian and regional partners to enhance counterterrorism efforts against violence and threats to innocent lives, with a goal to protect Americans and disrupt violent extremist organizations globally. These developments come after President Trump had previously expressed concerns about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and had threatened military intervention, even ordering the Pentagon to plan for potential action. Nigeria maintains that terrorist violence affects both Christians and Muslims and undermines the country's values and international peace and security.