THE United States has confirmed that airstrikes carried out in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day were aimed at militants affiliated with the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), a group largely active in neighbouring Niger Republic.
Speaking to AFP, US Army Lieutenant General John Brennan, the deputy commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), said the strikes targeted locations commonly used by Sahel-based terrorist groups as staging grounds.
According to him, intelligence shared by Nigerian authorities revealed that the areas struck were linked to ISSP operations.
The clarification follows public concern and reports suggesting that civilians may have been affected by the attacks.
Analysts have also warned about the growing spread of ISSP from the Sahel into coastal West African countries, including Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump had earlier announced that American forces conducted what he described as “powerful and deadly” strikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, warning the group to stop attacks on Christians in the country.
The US Department of Defense later stated that multiple ISIS fighters were killed in the operation, which was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government, though specific details were not disclosed.
AFRICOM also confirmed the operation in a post on X, noting that the strike took place in Sokoto State and resulted in the deaths of several ISIS militants.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded the cooperation between Washington and Abuja, expressing appreciation for Nigeria’s support.
The Christmas Day operation marked the first known US military strike in Nigeria under President Trump.
It followed months of heightened rhetoric from the US leader, who had previously accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians, describing the situation as an “existential threat.”
The strikes come amid increased US military engagement in Africa, including expanded intelligence sharing and logistical support to Nigerian forces, as Washington steps up efforts to combat Islamic State-linked groups across the continent.