Archive · 28 Dec 2025
US Strikes ISIS and Lakurawa in Nigeria
The United States and Nigeria worked together to launch a military strike against a group of militants in northwest Nigeria.
The strike involved ISIS-affiliated militants, the Lakurawa jihadist group, and bandit gangs.
The militants are linked to ISIS and have been causing trouble in the area.
The US said the militants were targeting Christians, but Nigeria's government denied that Christians are being systematically persecuted.
The strike was conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities.
The exact targets and casualties are unclear, but the strike was aimed at deterring further violence and showing US commitment.
Nigeria views the cooperation as part of its commitment to regional and global security.
The strike was conducted in Sokoto State, which is unusual because Nigeria's jihadist insurgency is mostly concentrated in the northeast.
The US conducted an airstrike in northwest Nigeria against ISIS-affiliated militants, the Lakurawa jihadist group, and bandit gangs at Nigeria's request.
The strike involved ISIS militants from the Sahel who were assisting the Lakurawa group and bandit gangs.
Nigeria confirmed its cooperation but denied that any specific religion was targeted.
The militants have been causing violence in the region, with some members of the Lakurawa group linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP).
The strike's long-term impact is uncertain, but it serves as a deterrent and a show of US commitment, with casualties reported but not specified.
- Who
- US forces, in cooperation with Nigeria, targeted ISIS-affiliated militants, the Lakurawa jihadist group, and bandit gangs in northwest Nigeria.
- What
- A US airstrike was conducted against Islamic State forces and associated groups in Nigeria.
- When
- The strike took place overnight Thursday into Friday (exact date not specified).
- Where
- The airstrike occurred in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria.
- Why
- The strike was conducted to target ISIS-affiliated militants, the Lakurawa jihadist group, and bandit gangs, with the US claiming the militants were targeting Christians.
US Perspective
Nigeria's Perspective
Target of the Strike
US Perspective
The US claims the militants were primarily targeting and killing Christians.
Nigeria's Perspective
Nigeria denies systematic persecution of Christians, stating that terrorist violence affects all communities.
Motivation for the Strike
US Perspective
The US sees the strike as a response to the persecution of Christians and a show of force against terrorism.
Nigeria's Perspective
Nigeria views the cooperation as part of its commitment to regional and global security, consistent with international law.
- Location
- Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria
- Date of Strike
- Overnight Thursday into Friday (exact date not specified)
- Weapons Used
- Not specified (previously mentioned Tomahawk missiles)
- Militant Groups Targeted
- ISIS, Lakurawa jihadist group, and bandit gangs
- US Stance
- Claims militants were targeting Christians and vowed to stop the persecution.
- Nigeria's Stance
- Denies systematic persecution of Christians and emphasizes cooperation with the US.
- Casualties
- Unclear who among those targeted were killed
- Nigeria's Population
- 220 million, almost equally split between Christians and Muslims
Sources
Why Nigeria Okayed US Strikes On ISIS After Disputing Claim Of Christian Genocide
'More to come': US signals more strikes on militant camps in Nigeria after Christmas air raids
Trump Says US Struck Islamic State Targets In Nigeria After Group Targeted Christians
US-backed airstrikes in Nigeria hit two ISIS-linked camps, government says
Did US delay Nigeria strike to give ISIS a ‘Christmas present’? Here’s what Trump said
US-Backed Airstrikes Hit Two ISIS-Linked Camps, Says Nigerian Government
Explained: Trump’s Christmas military strikes in Nigeria in bid to protect ‘innocent Christians’
