Months after US President Donald Trump threatened possible military action against Nigeria over allegations that the Nigerian government allowed the killing of Christians, the United States has confirmed that it carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in north-western Nigeria on December 25.
In a post on his Truth Social account, President Trump said that, “under my direction as Commander-in-Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing primarily innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years.”
The US military said camps operated by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sokoto State, near Nigeria’s border with Niger, were targeted. It added that initial assessments suggested “multiple” fatalities.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, told the BBC that the operation was a “joint operation” and stressed that it had “nothing to do with a particular religion.”
However, critics have accused the government of failing to inform Nigerians ahead of the strikes.
What Did the Airstrikes Hit?
Authorities in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, north-western Nigeria, confirmed to the BBC that the US airstrikes struck Lakurawa militant camps.
The chairman of the local government area, Isa Salihu Bashir, said the strikes hit “some Lakurawa terrorist camps” and that many fighters were killed, although he could not confirm the exact number.
He added that Nigerian police and military personnel were initially unable to access the affected areas because of intense fires caused by the strikes.
Sokoto State shares a border with Niger Republic, and border patrols on the Niger side reportedly saw Lakurawa fighters fleeing the area.
Lakurawa is a relatively new Islamist militant group that has carried out attacks in parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states in north-western Nigeria, as well as across the border in Niger.
Eyewitness Accounts
In Jabo village, Sokoto State, eyewitness Umar Jabo told the BBC that the airstrike occurred on Christmas night and that residents initially thought a plane had crashed.
“Everyone thought it was a plane crash in the fields,” he said.
Images circulating on social media showed people standing in an open field watching the burning aftermath of the attack.
However, Umar Jabo denied that any Islamic State fighters were killed in Jabo, saying: “Here in Jabo, we live peacefully, and there is no conflict between us and Christians.”
Strike in Offa, Kwara State
The airstrikes also hit Offa in Kwara State, north-central Nigeria.
Tajudeen Alabi, a former Special Assistant to the Kwara State governor on security matters, confirmed the incident to the BBC.
As of the time of reporting, there were no confirmed deaths from the airstrikes in Offa, but the attack injured people and damaged buildings.
Where Islamic State Operates in Nigeria
The US said the airstrikes targeted Islamic State elements in Sokoto State.
However, Islamic State has not claimed any attacks in Sokoto.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is primarily active in north-eastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State. A separate Islamic State branch, known as the Sahel Province, operates mainly around the Mali-Niger-Burkina Faso border area, but has claimed attacks in Niger’s Dosso State, not far from Nigeria’s border, including a recent significant attack on military forces.
In Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi states, the Lakurawa militant group has become increasingly active over the past few years.
Analysts speculate that Islamic State may have secured pledges of loyalty from Lakurawa as part of efforts to establish a foothold in north-west Nigeria and neighbouring parts of Niger.
United Nations Security Council reports have warned about Islamic State’s expansion into these regions.
In another indication that Sokoto could be a potential US target, a pro-Islamic State Telegram channel, Mujrayat al-Ahdath, had since late November been posting near-daily updates about US “reconnaissance” flights over northern Nigeria.
These flights reportedly focused on Sokoto, as well as ISWAP strongholds in Borno State, suggesting the possibility of further strikes.