US Forces Strike Terrorist Base in Sokoto, Kill Scores, Says President Trump

By Ekanem Asuquo 

United States military forces have carried out precision airstrikes against Islamic State linked terrorists operating in parts of northwestern Nigeria, following a request from Nigerian authorities.

The strikes, conducted on Christmas Day, targeted identified ISIS affiliated elements in Sokoto State and resulted in the killing of multiple terrorists, according to the United States Africa Command.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, describing it as “powerful and deadly,” and said it was ordered in response to continued attacks attributed to the terror group.

In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had previously warned the terrorists to halt what he described as the killing of Christians in Nigeria, adding that the United States was prepared to respond forcefully if the violence continued.

The Pentagon also confirmed the operation, noting that it was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. While specific operational details were not disclosed, the Department of Defense said the strikes were based on credible intelligence and aimed at degrading the operational capacity of the terrorists.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters corroborated the development, describing the action as a joint Nigeria United States operation against foreign ISIS linked elements infiltrating parts of the North West.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said the precision strikes were approved by relevant federal authorities and form part of ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorists and prevent transnational fighters from establishing footholds within Nigeria.

The military added that the operation followed careful planning to minimise collateral damage while dealing decisive blows to terrorist networks threatening national security.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised the collaboration between both countries, expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s cooperation and reaffirming Washington’s readiness to support counterterrorism efforts in the region.

The strikes mark the first direct US military action in Nigeria under the current Trump administration and come amid renewed focus by Washington on religious freedom concerns globally.