ABUJA, Nigeria — The United States has carried out airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwest Nigeria, Nigerian and U.S. officials said, marking one of the most significant direct American military actions inside the country in recent years.
The strikes, conducted earlier this week, targeted suspected militant camps in Sokoto State, a region that has seen a growing presence of armed extremist groups operating along Nigeria’s northwestern corridor. The operation was carried out with the consent and cooperation of the Nigerian government, officials said.
According to Nigerian security sources, the airstrikes were aimed at disrupting militant networks believed to be responsible for a series of attacks on civilians and security forces. The targets were located in remote areas, and authorities said efforts were made to minimize civilian harm.
A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the operation was based on “credible intelligence indicating an imminent threat posed by Islamic State–affiliated fighters operating in the region.”
Coordination With Nigerian Authorities
Nigeria’s government confirmed that it approved the operation as part of its ongoing security partnership with the United States. Officials emphasized that the strikes were not an act of foreign aggression but a cooperative counterterrorism effort.
“This operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian security agencies and forms part of broader efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities,” a Nigerian government source told reporters.
The Nigerian military has been battling multiple armed groups across the country, including Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and various bandit groups operating in the northwest and central regions.
Rare U.S. Military Action Inside Nigeria
While the United States has long provided intelligence, training, and logistical assistance to Nigeria, direct U.S. airstrikes on Nigerian soil are rare. Analysts say the move reflects growing concern in Washington over the expanding reach of Islamic State–linked groups in West Africa.
“The U.S. has largely relied on partner forces in the region,” said a regional security analyst. “This kind of action suggests a perception that local forces alone may not be sufficient to contain the threat.”
U.S. officials declined to say how many militants were killed in the operation, citing ongoing assessments. Nigerian authorities also said casualty figures were still being verified.
Local Impact and Civilian Concerns
Residents in parts of Sokoto State reported hearing explosions during the operation, though there were no immediate reports of civilian casualties. Human rights groups have urged transparency and restraint, calling for independent verification of the impact on local communities.
Nigeria has struggled for more than a decade with insecurity linked to extremist groups, cattle rustling, and criminal gangs, particularly in rural and border regions where state presence is limited.
Broader Regional Implications
Security analysts say the strikes highlight growing international concern over the spread of Islamic State affiliates across West Africa, particularly as instability in the Sahel has intensified following military coups and the withdrawal of some Western forces from neighboring countries.
The U.S. has increasingly relied on targeted operations, intelligence-sharing, and partnerships with regional governments to counter militant expansion without deploying large numbers of ground troops.
Officials in Washington said the United States remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to restore stability while respecting its sovereignty.
“This action should be seen as part of a broader counterterrorism strategy focused on preventing extremist groups from establishing safe havens,” a U.S. official said.
What Comes Next
Both Nigerian and U.S. authorities said further assessments are underway to evaluate the impact of the operation and determine next steps. Security cooperation between the two countries is expected to continue, particularly in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism coordination.
For now, officials stressed that the strike does not signal a long-term U.S. military presence in Nigeria, but rather a targeted response to what they described as a growing security threat in the region.
