Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed what President Donald Trump announced from Mar-a-Lago on Christmas Day: US forces conducted military strikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria's Sokoto state, and it was all done with Nigerian cooperation.
The ministry characterized the operation as part of "structured security cooperation" between the two countries, involving intelligence sharing and coordinated strategy. According to their statement, this collaboration "has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West."
How the Joint Operation Unfolded
US Africa Command also confirmed the strike eliminated multiple ISIS militants in coordination with Nigerian authorities, targeting known Islamic State camps operating in the region.
Trump made the announcement via Truth Social while continuing his holiday tradition at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the message, thanking the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation in the operation.
The strike comes with some backstory. Trump had previously warned of possible military intervention in Nigeria in response to violence against Christians in the country, prompting the African Union to call for diplomatic dialogue instead. Back in late November, Hegseth met with Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, specifically to discuss the violence targeting Christians.
