UPDATE: In a decisive move, the United States has launched an air strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2023. This operation, requested by Nigeria’s government, comes amid escalating violence from Islamist groups threatening local communities.
US President Donald Trump announced the strike on Truth Social, describing it as a “powerful and deadly” action targeting the militants who have been aggressing Christian populations in the region. Local reports from the village of Jabo indicate that explosions were heard following the military action, though Reuters has yet to confirm any casualties.
The operation, which involved approximately a dozen Tomahawk missiles launched from a US Navy warship stationed in the Gulf of Guinea, was initially scheduled for December 24 but was delayed to ensure it aligned with the holiday. Trump stated, “They didn’t think that was coming, but we hit them hard. Every camp got decimated.”
Official confirmation from Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar indicates the joint effort aimed to combat terrorism without targeting any specific religion. “Nigeria is a multi-religious country, and we’re working with partners like the US to fight terrorism and protect lives and property,” Tuggar told Nigeria’s Channels Television.
Following the strike, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted at potential further actions, stating there is “more to come,” although no immediate follow-up strikes are planned. A US official noted that this particular strike was crucial due to the remote location, which made it inaccessible for Nigerian forces.
Experts suggest that while the air strike sends a strong message of military readiness, its immediate impact may be limited. Cameron Hudson, a former Africa-related US official, remarked, “It’s not realistic to think that a few cruise missiles are going to change much in the short term.”
The northwestern region has been plagued by the Lakurawa sect, a militant group that has increasingly threatened local communities since 2024. This sect has been linked to various violent acts, including cattle theft, impacting livelihoods across Nigeria, which has a population of over 230 million people, divided roughly evenly between Christians in the south and Muslims in the north.
The international community watches closely as the Trump administration’s commitment to combating this militancy unfolds. As further developments arise, this strike marks a significant escalation in the US’s involvement in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as it continues to develop.
