In a significant counterterrorism operation, United States forces executed targeted airstrikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto State on Thursday. The strategic military action occurred near the Niger border region, specifically targeting camps operated by Lakurawa, an emerging IS affiliate attempting to establish operational presence in the area.
US military officials characterized the mission as precision strikes against confirmed terrorist targets. Although exact casualty numbers remain unverified, preliminary assessments indicate multiple militant fatalities resulted from the operation. Both American and Nigerian authorities confirmed the elimination of numerous combatants without disclosing specific figures.
President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the operation on Christmas Day, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to preventing the expansion of radical Islamic terrorism. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar provided crucial context, clarifying that the strikes resulted from joint planning between the two nations utilizing local intelligence resources. Minister Tuggar explicitly stated the timing was unrelated to Christmas celebrations and not religiously motivated, while leaving open the possibility of additional future operations.
Local governance officials reported substantial impact on militant operations. Isa Salihu Bashir, chairman of Tangaza local government area, confirmed multiple camps were destroyed with significant fighter casualties, though comprehensive damage assessments remain ongoing. Cross-border reports from Niger indicated surviving militants were fleeing the targeted zones.
This development occurs against the backdrop of Nigeria’s prolonged security challenges with jihadist groups, historically concentrated in the northeast but increasingly spreading northwest. Authorities emphasized the operation exemplifies continued international security cooperation, particularly between Nigerian forces and American counterparts.
The Nigeria engagement follows another recent US military action against Islamic State positions in Syria, demonstrating continued Western commitment to counter-IS operations across multiple theaters.