US’s Strike in Nigeria Islamic State was Carried Out with Full Cooperation from Nigerian Govt: Says Report

In a significant development in the fight against global terrorism, the United States conducted a targeted airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. 

President Donald Trump announced the operation on Friday, describing it as a “powerful and deadly” strike aimed at ISIS “terrorist scum” who have been “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” 

The action was carried out with the full consent and cooperation of the Nigerian government, underscoring a renewed commitment to joint counterterrorism efforts between the two nations.

Verification of the Strike and International Compliance

The U.S. military confirmed the strikes were executed in close coordination with Nigerian authorities, involving the exchange of intelligence and strategic planning. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the operation was “consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.” 

This collaboration helped avert any potential unilateral action by the U.S., which could have strained bilateral relations.

Independent reports verify the strike’s location in Sokoto state, specifically around the village of Jabo, where residents reported buildings shaking and the sky glowing red from the explosions. 

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) stated that an initial assessment indicated multiple ISIS terrorists were killed, though exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed. 

Official Report: U.S. Africa Command Conducts Strike against ISIS in Nigeria

Importantly, the Nigerian government has welcomed the strikes but rejected claims that the militants were specifically targeting Christians, describing the attacks as aimed at militant sites in the northwest.

Targeted Group: Lakurawa and Its ISIS Ties

Security analysts believe the primary target was the Lakurawa group, a lesser known but increasingly lethal ISIS affiliate operating in Nigeria’s northwestern states. Also known as the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), Lakurawa has roots in neighboring Niger and expanded into Nigeria following the 2023 military coup in Niger, which disrupted cross-border security operations.

• Origins and Evolution: Lakurawa emerged around 2017 when local authorities in Sokoto invited the group to combat banditry. However, they overstayed, imposing harsh Sharia law, leading to clashes with communities. The group is now accused of killings, kidnappings, rape, and armed robbery, controlling territories in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
• ISIS Affiliation: Nigerian defense officials have labeled Lakurawa as an ISIS-affiliated terrorist organization. It operates covertly along the Niger-Nigeria border, expanding toward Benin, and has been linked to the broader Islamic State network, distinguishing it from other regional threats like Boko Haram’s offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which is active in the northeast.
• Recent Activities: In the past year, Lakurawa has escalated attacks on remote communities and security forces, exploiting governance vacuums, poverty, and the absence of state presence in hotspots. Malik Samuel, a security researcher at Good Governance Africa, noted that Lakurawa controls significant territories and represents an “incursion of violent extremist groups that are ideologically driven” in the northwest.

While some sources dispute the depth of Lakurawa’s ISIS ties, suggesting they may align more with banditry than pure jihadism, the majority of analyses confirm their affiliation and growing threat.

Broader Context: Nigeria’s Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism

Nigeria faces multifaceted security challenges from various armed groups:

These threats are exacerbated by socioeconomic issues like hunger, unemployment, and porous borders. The U.S. strike marks President Trump’s first major military action in Nigeria, following his warnings about protecting Christians from persecution. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted at further operations, stating the Pentagon is “always ready.”