In a coordinated Nigeria–United States military mission, US and Nigerian forces on Thursday launched precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in northwest Nigeria, targeting locations in Sokoto State and parts of neighbouring Zamfara State, officials said.
The joint operation, carried out on Christmas Day, focused on militants linked to the Islamic State group (ISIS/ISWAP). Authorities say the group has carried out repeated attacks in the region, including bombings and assaults on civilians.
Officials said the strikes followed detailed intelligence sharing and close coordination between the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Nigerian military.
US military aircraft hit known terrorist camps and insurgent positions in Sokoto and nearby areas of Zamfara, where fighters had established bases to plan and launch attacks on local communities.
Security sources said residents heard explosions near some villages in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The area has witnessed recent attacks blamed on ISIS-linked groups.
Casualty figures remain unclear. However, US officials described the operation as a series of “precision hits on terrorist targets” aimed at weakening the operational capacity of the groups and their support networks.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the airstrikes and described them as part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States.
In a statement issued early Friday, the ministry said the collaboration respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and complies with international law. It added that the partnership includes intelligence sharing and tactical support.
The ministry said the cooperation is designed to confront persistent terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria’s northwest.
US officials, including President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, described the strikes as retaliation against extremists accused of attacking civilians and religious minorities.
However, the Nigerian government warned against framing the country’s security challenges along religious lines.
The United States has carried out similar counter-terrorism operations in other regions as part of its global efforts against extremist groups.
This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they become available.
