U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against Islamic State Militants in Nigeria Who Targeted Christians

The United States has carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria, U.S. officials confirmed, marking a rare but coordinated military action between Washington and Abuja. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strikes were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State and resulted in the deaths of multiple Islamic State fighters.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation in a Christmas evening post on social media, stating that U.S. forces had targeted Islamic State militants in Nigeria. While Trump used strong language to describe the group, he did not provide operational details or specify the extent of damage caused by the strikes.

AFRICOM later confirmed on X that the strikes were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities and were approved by the Nigerian government. A U.S. Defense Department official said the operation was jointly coordinated and aimed at degrading Islamic State’s operational capabilities in the region.

The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and affiliated jihadist groups have been responsible for years of violence across northern Nigeria, targeting civilians, security forces, and religious communities, including Christians. The region has experienced repeated attacks, kidnappings, and mass displacement as militant groups exploit porous borders and weak governance structures.

Nigeria has long relied on a combination of domestic military operations and international cooperation to combat Islamist insurgencies, particularly since the rise of Boko Haram in 2009. Although Boko Haram later split, ISWAP emerged as a more organized and resilient faction, aligning itself with the Islamic State’s global network.

U.S. military involvement in Nigeria has primarily focused on intelligence sharing, training, and logistical support rather than direct combat operations. Officials say the latest airstrikes underscore Washington’s willingness to act when requested by partner nations and when threats pose broader regional or international risks.

Neither Nigerian authorities nor the U.S. military released further details regarding casualties beyond militant targets, and no civilian harm was reported. Officials said assessments of the strikes were ongoing.