Nigeria, U.S. Launch Joint Military Operation Against Terrorists in Northwest
Nigeria and the United States yesterday conducted a coordinated military operation targeting terrorist groups in the Northwest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed late last night.
In an official statement, the Federal Government affirmed that it remains engaged in structured security collaboration with international partners, including the U.S., to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation via his X account, stating that the strikes targeted ISIS positions in Sokoto State.
The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa early today, said:
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by airstrikes in the Northwest. In line with established international practice and bilateral agreements, this cooperation includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.
“Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.
“The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels.”
President Trump said the strikes were intended to eliminate ISIS militants in Sokoto, accusing the group of persecuting Christians. On Truth Social, he wrote:
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians. I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical terrorism to prosper. May God bless our military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
U.S. Africa Command confirmed that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the strike, which took place at the request of Nigerian authorities. The operation targeted areas near Sokoto State, which borders Niger to the north.
In a separate social media post, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s cooperation.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, told CNN: “The U.S. and Nigeria are on the same page in the fight against terrorism.”
Trump has focused heavily on extremist activities in Nigeria in recent months, previously directing his Secretary of Defense to “prepare for possible action” and warning that U.S. forces would intervene “guns-a-blazing” to protect Christians in Africa’s most populous nation.
On Christmas Eve, President Tinubu shared a goodwill message wishing Christians in Nigeria and worldwide a Merry Christmas and emphasizing religious harmony:
“I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence,” he said.
A delegation of senior Nigerian officials, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had recently visited the U.S. to discuss the government’s position and coordinate efforts with U.S. counterparts. The delegation clarified that terrorist groups in Nigeria do not have a specific target, highlighting the importance of joint operations.
A separate team of U.S. Congress members also visited Nigeria, and both countries have established a joint committee to further deepen security cooperation.
