By Nworisa Michael
The United States has announced that it carried out military airstrikes against suspected Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, triggering widespread reactions and questions over the scope and legality of the operation.
In a statement attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, the strikes were described as “powerful and deadly,” targeting ISIS militants allegedly responsible for attacks on civilians in the region. The U.S. leader framed the action as part of Washington’s broader fight against terrorism, particularly violence directed at Christian communities.
U.S. defence authorities also indicated that the operation was conducted with the knowledge and cooperation of the Nigerian government, suggesting a level of bilateral coordination in the counter-terrorism effort.
However, several critical details surrounding the reported strikes remain unclear. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official public statement from the Nigerian Presidency, the Ministry of Defence, or the Nigerian Armed Forces confirming the operation or outlining Nigeria’s role. The exact locations hit, including whether Sokoto State or other parts of northwest Nigeria were affected, have not been independently verified.
In addition, casualty figures, the extent of damage, and confirmation from the U.S. Africa Command have not been fully disclosed. There is also no independent verification on the ground to confirm the scale of the strikes or their immediate impact on ISIS operations in the region.
Security analysts note that while the U.S. has previously supported Nigeria through intelligence sharing and limited military cooperation, direct airstrikes on Nigerian territory are rare and raise important questions about sovereignty, rules of engagement, and transparency.
The development has sparked intense debate online, with some Nigerians welcoming foreign support against terrorism, while others express concern over potential civilian harm and the lack of clear official communication.
TalkExprex will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more verified information becomes available from Nigerian and international authorities.