US Conducts Coordinated Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Nigeria
The United States military has carried out strikes against the Islamic State (IS) group in north-western Nigeria, an operation confirmed by former US President Donald Trump and Nigerian officials. The strikes, which took place on Thursday, were coordinated with Nigerian forces in Sokoto state, according to the US Africa Command (Africom).
Official Statements and Details
Former President Trump announced the strikes on social media, describing them as "powerful and deadly." He accused the IS group of "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians." Separately, the US Department of Defense released an unclassified video showing what appeared to be a missile launch from a military vessel.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar characterized the operation as a "joint operation" targeting "terrorists," clarifying that it "has nothing to do with a particular religion." Tuggar also stated that further strikes would depend on "decisions to be taken by the leadership of the two countries." US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for "Nigerian government support & cooperation."
On Friday morning, Nigeria's foreign ministry issued a statement confirming the country's engagement in "structured security co-operation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorist and violent extremism." The statement added that this cooperation has led to "precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West."
Context on Religious Claims and Regional Conflict
Former President Trump had previously stated his intention to declare Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" due to what he described as an "existential threat" to its Christian population, claiming "thousands" had been killed without providing evidence. This designation is used by the US State Department for countries engaged in severe religious freedom violations and can lead to sanctions.
However, groups monitoring violence in Nigeria, such as Acled, report no evidence to suggest that Christians are killed more frequently than Muslims in the country, which has a roughly even division between adherents of both religions. Acled's analysis indicates that most victims of jihadist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in north-eastern Nigeria have been Muslims.
An adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, stated that while Nigeria would welcome US assistance against Islamist insurgents, it remains a "sovereign" country. Bwala also contended that jihadists do not target members of a specific religion, having killed individuals from all faiths and none. President Tinubu has consistently affirmed religious tolerance in Nigeria and noted that security challenges affect people "across faiths and regions."
In central Nigeria, clashes between predominantly Muslim herders and often Christian farming groups over resources like water and pasture have resulted in significant casualties, with atrocities committed by both sides. Human rights organizations have found no evidence that Christians have been disproportionately targeted in these conflicts.
This military action in Nigeria follows a recent US "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, where US Central Command (Centcom) reported striking over 70 targets in collaboration with Jordanian aircraft.