The United States has conducted a series of targeted military strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants operating in northwest Nigeria, according to an announcement made Thursday by President Donald Trump. The operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities and is part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region.
In a public statement, President Trump said the strikes were ordered following intelligence reports linking ISIS-affiliated groups to deadly attacks on civilian communities. U.S. Africa Command later confirmed that the action took place in Nigeria’s Sokoto State, an area near the border with Niger that has seen increased militant activity in recent months.
Defense officials stated that the mission successfully targeted multiple militant positions and resulted in the deaths of several ISIS fighters. While the Pentagon released limited visual footage indicating a precision strike, officials declined to disclose specific operational details, citing security concerns.
Nigerian government representatives acknowledged cooperation with U.S. forces, emphasizing that the strikes were part of a broader security partnership focused on intelligence sharing and regional stability. Authorities in Nigeria reiterated that the country continues to face complex security challenges involving insurgent groups, banditry, and communal violence.
Analysts note that extremist violence in northern Nigeria has persisted for more than a decade, involving groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). While attacks have affected religious communities, experts widely agree the conflict is driven by a mix of ideological extremism, economic hardship, and competition over land and resources.
The U.S. action follows earlier warnings from Washington signaling a tougher stance on extremist violence in the region. Officials have previously indicated that protecting civilians and supporting regional partners remain central goals of U.S. policy in West Africa.
Both governments stated that cooperation against terrorism will continue, with an emphasis on preventing future attacks and stabilizing affected areas.
