The United States has carried out targeted military strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria, in an operation described by Washington as necessary to protect “innocent Christians” facing escalating violence in the country’s north-east. The strikes were conducted in co-operation with Nigerian authorities, following a public warning from US President Donald Trump that the United States was prepared to intervene directly if attacks continued.
Escalating violence in northern Nigeria
Militant activity in northern and north-eastern Nigeria has intensified in recent months, with Islamist groups expanding attacks on rural communities, religious sites, and security forces. Factions linked to Islamic State, including its West African affiliate, have increasingly targeted Christian villages, clergy, and aid workers, according to regional security sources and humanitarian organisations. Local officials report that entire communities have been displaced as attacks grew more frequent and lethal.
US intervention and political signalling
The strikes follow unusually blunt remarks from President Donald Trump, who earlier warned that the United States would not hesitate to act “guns a-blazing” if Nigerian authorities failed to halt the violence. While US military involvement in West Africa has typically focused on intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism support, the latest operation marks a more direct posture. US officials stated that the mission was limited in scope, precision-targeted, and designed to disrupt imminent threats against civilian populations.
Co-operation with Nigerian authorities
Nigeria’s government confirmed that the operation was carried out with its consent and in close coordination with its armed forces. A senior security official said the strikes complemented ongoing Nigerian military campaigns and were aimed at high-value militant targets operating in remote areas. The government of Nigeria has faced persistent criticism over its ability to protect vulnerable communities, particularly Christians and moderate Muslims living in contested regions.
Religious persecution and international concern
Nigeria has become one of the world’s deadliest countries for Christians, according to multiple international watchdogs, with kidnappings, church attacks, and mass killings attributed to Islamist insurgents and criminal gangs. The US administration framed the strikes as part of a broader effort to counter religious persecution and prevent further atrocities. Officials emphasised that the action was defensive in nature and aligned with international counter-terrorism obligations.
Regional implications and risks
While some analysts argue the strikes could weaken militant networks and deter future attacks, others warn of potential risks. Direct US military action may inflame anti-Western sentiment, increase retaliation against civilians, or complicate Nigeria’s already fragile security landscape. Regional stability in the Sahel remains under strain, with militant groups exploiting porous borders, weak governance, and local grievances to expand their influence.
A signal of tougher US engagement
The operation underscores a shift towards a more assertive US stance on protecting religious minorities abroad, particularly where local governments are seen as struggling to contain extremist threats. Whether the strikes lead to lasting improvements in security will depend on sustained co-operation, intelligence-led operations, and parallel efforts to address the underlying social and economic drivers of extremism.
Newshub Editorial in Africa – 26 December 2025
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