US Strikes Islamic State Bases in Nigeria: A Controversial Christmas Move

Sun Dec 28 2025 11:17:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US launched airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, claiming they were a 'Christmas gift.' Key players in Nigeria reported differing accounts of the operation's intent and implications.

On December 25, the US carried out airstrikes against Islamic State positions in north-western Nigeria, a move described by President Trump as a 'Christmas present.' While the operation targeted camps in Sokoto state, Nigeria's government claims it was a joint effort, denying any holiday motivations. Reports of casualties among militants are unclear, and local officials describe the strikes as impacting terrorist camps with a noted exodus of fighters. The situation underscores the growing complexity of jihadist activity in Nigeria amid accusations of uneven government security efforts.

The US has launched powerful and deadly strikes against militants linked to the Islamic State group (IS) in north-western Nigeria, where militants have sought to establish a foothold, according to President Trump. He told Politico these airstrikes on December 25 were intended as a Christmas present, a claim disputed by Nigerian officials.

The strikes targeted IS camps close to Sokoto state’s border with Niger. While exact casualty numbers remain unclear, both US and Nigerian sources indicated that militants were killed. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar described the strikes as a joint operation explicitly approved by his government, intending to emphasize that the operation had nothing to do with religion.

The planning for these strikes had been in the works for an extended period and was informed by intelligence provided by Nigeria. Tuggar hinted at possible future operations but insisted the timing was not related to the holiday season, contradicting Trump's festive narrative. The US military's early assessments suggest numerous fatalities in Sokoto state, though independent confirmation of these figures is pending.

Local news reported that the strikes significantly affected a smaller militant group known as Lakurawa, suspected of building a base in the region while maintaining links to larger jihadist networks in Mali and Niger. This marks a notable focus shift in Nigeria, traditionally plagued more by Boko Haram in the northeast.

The US also emphasized its commitment against Radical Islamic Terrorism in public statements while showcasing footage of missile launches. Observers and local residents have expressed mixed feelings regarding the strikes, citing ongoing concerns about peace and stability in their communities.