U.S. Launches Airstrikes on ISIS Bases in Nigeria, Trump Calls Operation “Lethal”
SOKOTO, NIGERIA — The United States has launched targeted airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militant bases in northwestern Nigeria. The military operation was carried out at the formal request of the Nigerian government as part of bilateral security cooperation aimed at countering the growing threat of terrorism.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the strikes took place on Thursday (December 25, 2025, local time). In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the operation as a “powerful and lethal” assault on ISIS networks that have been responsible for sustained violence in the region.
Trump said the militant group had carried out brutal killings of civilians, including attacks targeting specific communities, at levels he described as deeply alarming. “Under my direction as Commander-in-Chief, the U.S. military conducted precision airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in northwestern Nigeria,” Trump wrote.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) stated that the airstrikes were conducted in Sokoto State, an area that has recently emerged as a hotspot for armed militant activity. AFRICOM confirmed that a number of ISIS fighters were neutralized, though it did not disclose specific casualty figures.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the operation was part of a long-standing security partnership between Abuja and Washington. The collaboration includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and military support to curb the movement and operations of extremist groups.
“This cooperation has enabled precision strikes against terrorist targets in northwestern Nigeria,” the ministry said in an official statement posted on the social media platform X.
The Pentagon also released video footage showing the launch of a projectile from a U.S. Navy warship as part of the operation. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation, while stressing that counterterrorism efforts would continue.
However, the Nigerian government offered a note of caution regarding U.S. statements suggesting that militants were targeting specific religious groups. Abuja said Nigeria’s security situation is far more complex and reiterated its commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of religious background.
On the same day, Nigerian police reported another terrorist incident in the country’s northeast, where a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and injured dozens of civilians. The attack further highlighted the fragile security conditions in parts of Nigeria.
In his Christmas message, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for national peace and interfaith tolerance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and protecting all Nigerians from violence and terrorism.
The airstrikes in Nigeria came just a week after the U.S. military carried out a major operation against ISIS targets in Syria, following Trump’s pledge to intensify pressure on global terrorist groups seen as threatening U.S. interests and those of its allies.
(Faisal/FKY)
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