The United States military has carried out targeted strikes against Islamic State (IS) affiliated militants in north-western Nigeria, a move aimed at dismantling jihadist footholds in the region. The strikes, conducted near the Sokoto state–Niger border, follow intelligence cooperation with Nigerian authorities and mark a significant escalation in efforts to curb the spread of IS-linked groups in Nigeria.

Targeted Airstrikes in Sokoto State

According to the US military, militant camps in Sokoto state were hit late on Thursday, with preliminary assessments indicating multiple fatalities among fighters. Casualty figures remain unclear, but local officials reported that militants were killed, and survivors fled towards Niger.

Isa Salihu Bashir, a local official in Tangaza, told the BBC that the strikes targeted Lakurawa terrorist camps, a local IS-linked faction attempting to establish a base in north-western Nigeria. Residents reported seeing explosions and flashes from aircraft over remote fields, but no civilian casualties have been confirmed.

US and Nigerian Collaboration

US President Donald Trump described the strikes as “deadly,” targeting militants who had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar emphasized that the operation was a joint US–Nigerian effort and “had nothing to do with a particular religion.”

The strikes were reportedly planned over a period of time using intelligence provided by Nigeria, and Tuggar did not rule out further operations if necessary. The Nigerian government confirmed that debris from munitions fell in Jabo, Sokoto, and Offa, Kwara state, with no reported civilian casualties.

The Rise of Lakurawa in Northwestern Nigeria

While Nigeria has long battled Boko Haram and other jihadist groups in the north-east, the north-western states have seen the emergence of Lakurawa, a smaller IS-linked faction. Authorities say the group is connected to jihadist networks in Mali and Niger, has settled in border communities, and recruits young people while imposing strict controls.

The villages of Tangaza are mostly moderate, practicing Muslims who had largely lived peacefully before the recent militant incursion. Locals say there is little conflict in the area and that civilians, both Muslim and Christian, coexist peacefully.

US Response to Threats Against Christians

Trump has previously accused Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Christian populations from jihadist attacks, designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for alleged violations of religious freedom.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, thanking Nigerian forces for their support and cooperation. A video released by the Pentagon shows a missile launch from a US military vessel, highlighting the precision of the strikes.

This marks the second major US intervention against IS in recent weeks, following a “massive strike” in Syria targeting IS cells responsible for the deaths of three Americans, including two soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

Nigeria’s Ongoing Struggle with Jihadist Groups

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is home to roughly 220 million people, with an even split between Muslims and Christians. Jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and IS-linked factions, have caused extensive disruption and loss of life, primarily in the north-east, over the past decade. According to ACLED, most victims of jihadist attacks have been Muslims.

The US strikes in Sokoto demonstrate expanded counterterrorism efforts in north-western Nigeria, targeting new IS-linked threats in border regions and disrupting the group’s attempts to establish a foothold outside the north-east.