The United States government has confirmed that it carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militant targets in northwest Nigeria on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced the operation in a statement posted on his official social media platform, saying he authorized the strike in his capacity as Commander in Chief. According to the statement, the military action targeted ISIS fighters accused of carrying out attacks on civilians in the region.
U.S. Africa Command said the strikes were conducted at the request of the Nigerian government as part of ongoing efforts to counter extremist activity. U.S. defence officials confirmed that several ISIS militants were killed during the operation, though they did not release specific casualty figures or operational details.
There was no immediate information on civilian casualties, and the U.S. Department of Defense had not issued a full operational briefing as of the time of filing this report.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges from extremist groups linked to the Islamic State and other armed factions, alongside widespread banditry and communal violence in several northern regions. Nigerian authorities have consistently maintained that the violence affects communities across religious and ethnic lines.
The strike marks a notable instance of direct U.S. military action in northwest Nigeria and comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement between Washington and Abuja over security cooperation. Further details are expected as both governments provide additional updates.
