It sounds like the recent Christmas Day airstrike in Nigeria is just the beginning of a closer security partnership between the US and Nigeria. On Friday, Nigerian officials confirmed their country not only provided the intelligence for the US strike but that President Bola Tinubu personally gave the “go-ahead”.
The operation, which took place in the northwestern state of Sokoto, was described as a “joint operation” from the start.
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, made it clear this is an ongoing effort, telling a broadcaster, “we are working with the US. We are working with other countries as well”.
This sentiment was echoed on the American side.
In the US, President Donald Trump announced the “powerful and deadly strike” against what he called “ISIS Terrorist Scum,” and warned there would be “many more” attacks if the killing of Christians continues.
His Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, also thanked the Nigerian government for its “support & cooperation” and hinted at more action to come.
The strike comes after some diplomatic tension, with the Trump administration previously criticising Nigeria over the persecution of Christians, a view Nigerian officials argue oversimplifies a complex conflict affecting people of all faiths.
Despite those differences, the two nations have clearly deepened their security coordination.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike was conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities and killed multiple ISIS terrorists.
Military sources revealed the operation targeted foreign-linked ISIS cells, including the Lakurawa and Jenni groups, which had reportedly been mobilizing fighters from Mali and Burkina Faso for holiday attacks.
