The Nigerian government has reacted to reports of U.S. airstrikes carried out in Sokoto State on Christmas night, following an order by U.S. President Donald Trump targeting suspected ISIS militants.
In a statement issued on December 26, 2025, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the airstrikes were conducted in close coordination with Nigerian authorities as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
According to the ministry, Nigeria maintains structured security cooperation with several international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism across the country.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This collaboration has resulted in precision airstrikes against terrorist targets in the Northwest,” the statement said.
The ministry explained that such cooperation follows established international practices and bilateral agreements, covering intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other lawful forms of support that respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The government emphasized that all counterterrorism operations prioritize the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
It stressed that terrorist attacks against any group Christian, Muslim, or otherwise pose a threat to Nigeria’s core values as well as regional and global peace and security.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with international partners through diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, prevent cross-border threats, and strengthen the nation’s own security and intelligence capabilities.
The ministry added that it would continue engaging relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels.
The airstrikes on suspected ISIS camps in Sokoto State were carried out by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) under the direction of President Donald Trump and the U.S. Secretary of War, and in close coordination with Nigerian authorities.
AFRICOM Commander, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, said the command is working alongside Nigerian and regional partners to enhance counterterrorism cooperation in response to ongoing violence threatening innocent lives.
He noted that the objective is to protect Americans and disrupt violent extremist organizations wherever they operate.
In a separate statement, President Trump said his administration would take a tough stance against Islamist militant groups operating in Nigeria, particularly in response to attacks on Christian communities.
In a Christmas message, he declared that the United States would not tolerate what he described as “radical Islamic terrorism” and would respond decisively to continued violence linked to such groups.
The airstrikes followed earlier warnings from the Trump administration to militant groups in northern Nigeria, issued after reports of repeated attacks on Christian communities in the region.
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