LAGOS – Nigeria has indicated that further military strikes against jihadist groups are likely following a Christmas Day operation carried out by United States forces, which President Donald Trump said severely weakened Islamic State-linked camps in the country’s northwest.
Further Strikes Expected After Christmas Day Operation
Nigerian authorities say the campaign against jihadist groups is ongoing, with more operations expected in the coming period. The Christmas Day strikes, which targeted suspected Islamic State-linked camps, were described by US officials as having killed multiple fighters.
Nigeria Confirms Joint Operation With US Forces
Nigeria has maintained that the operation was jointly conducted, with local authorities providing intelligence ahead of the strikes. A senior Pentagon official confirmed the action had been approved by the Nigerian government, although it remains unclear whether Nigerian troops were directly involved.
Trump later said the timing of the strikes had been brought forward to Christmas Day, describing the attack as unexpected for the militants and highly effective.
Conflicting Accounts Over Targets and Impact
Despite confirmation from both governments that Islamic State-linked militants were targeted, details surrounding the operation remain inconsistent. Nigerian officials said 16 guided munitions were launched from MQ-9 Reaper drones, neutralising militants attempting to enter the country through the Sahel. US Africa Command reported that several ISIS fighters were killed in Sokoto State.
Security Crises Persist Across Multiple Regions
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats, including a jihadist insurgency in the northeast and escalating banditry and kidnappings in the northwest. The strikes come amid diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Washington over claims of religious persecution, which Nigeria has strongly rejected.
Residents React to Strikes in Sokoto
Residents in parts of Sokoto said they were shocked by the explosions, with some reporting strikes in areas not previously regarded as militant strongholds. While jihadist activity has historically been concentrated in the northeast, armed groups have increasingly expanded into the northwest.
Debate Over Militant Links and Armed Groups
Researchers have linked some members of the Lakurawa armed group in Sokoto to the Islamic State Sahel Province, active in neighbouring Niger and Mali. However, analysts remain divided over the strength and extent of these links.
Public Opinion Split as Government Backs Strikes
Public reaction to the US-led operation has been mixed, though Nigerian authorities have welcomed the intervention. Analysts say the government is keen to demonstrate cooperation with Washington, even as questions remain over the immediate effectiveness of the strikes.
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