WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States conducted a "powerful and deadly" airstrike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria. This action came after weeks of Trump criticizing the Nigerian government for its failure to effectively address the ongoing persecution of Christians in the West African nation.
In a Christmas evening post on his social media platform, Trump did not disclose specific details about the strikes or the extent of the damage inflicted. However, a Defense Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that the airstrikes were carried out in cooperation with Nigeria and had received approval from the Nigerian government.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this collaboration, emphasizing that it involved mutual intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, adhering to international law and the mutual respect for sovereignty. Trump claimed that the strikes targeted Islamic State militants who have been "viciously killing primarily innocent Christians." Nonetheless, residents and analysts have noted that the security crisis in Nigeria affects both Christians, predominantly in the south, and Muslims, who largely inhabit the north.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Nigeria's stance, stating, "Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria's values and to international peace and security." Nigeria currently faces threats from multiple armed groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province, an offshoot of Boko Haram, as well as the lesser-known Lakurawa group, which has gained notoriety in the northwest.
Security analysts believe that the U.S. strikes might have targeted the Lakurawa group, which has heightened its lethal activities over the past year. Malik Samuel, a Nigerian security researcher, noted that the Lakurawa group controls territories in states such as Sokoto and Kebbi, contributing to the rising tide of violence in regions where state presence is limited.
Nigeria's government has previously countered Trump's criticisms by pointing out that people of various faiths have been victims of extremist violence. In light of the worsening situation, Trump had earlier tasked the Pentagon to plan potential military actions in Nigeria aimed at mitigating Christian persecution. Additionally, the State Department recently announced visa restrictions for Nigerians involved in violence against Christians, and Nigeria was designated a "country of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act.
Trump asserted that U.S. defense officials executed “numerous perfect strikes,” asserting the country's commitment to preventing the proliferation of “Radical Islamic Terrorism.” Nigeria, home to a population of approximately 220 million citizens evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, grapples with various security challenges, including attacks by Boko Haram, which seeks to impose an extreme interpretation of Islamic law.
Furthermore, attacks in Nigeria manifest diverse motivations, including religious tensions impacting both Christians and Muslims, conflicts over resources between farmers and herders, communal rivalries, and ethnic clashes. The U.S. military footprint in Africa has decreased, with partnerships either scaled back or discontinued, making large-scale military interventions in Nigeria logistically challenging.
Trump has maintained pressure on Nigeria amid a series of escalating violent attacks on schools and churches, which experts assert target both Christians and Muslims. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated Trump's commitment on social media, stating that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must come to an end and expressing gratitude for the support of the Nigerian government.
The circumstances surrounding the U.S. military action underscore the complex landscape of violence in Nigeria, where extremist groups exploit religious and ethnic divisions. The response from both the U.S. administration and Nigerian officials highlights the urgency of addressing the security challenges facing the nation and the broader implications for international peace and security.
