Fresh details have emerged regarding reported United States airstrikes against fighters of the Islamic State (ISIS) in North-West Nigeria, following alleged threats by the extremist group to carry out coordinated attacks during the Christmas celebrations.
According to information gathered by Arise News247, members of the Islamic State had converged at a camp in Sokoto State after moving in from Mali, Burkina Faso and other locations within Nigeria. The gathering was reportedly aimed at coordinating attacks across four Nigerian states during the festive period.
Sources said the large concentration of fighters presented an opportunity for a military strike. The United States, which had been monitoring the movement of ISIS and other terrorist groups in the region, allegedly launched what was described as a “powerful and deadly” air operation against the camp.
The strike was reportedly carried out on Thursday, December 25, 2025, from a U.S. military ship, targeting the assembled fighters. The operation was said to have resulted in the elimination of all those gathered at the location, with no reported escape.
Following the reported airstrikes, U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a statement in which he claimed responsibility for the operation.
According to him, the action was taken in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“Tonight, at 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,” the statement quoted the President as saying.
President Trump further stated that he had previously warned the group to halt attacks on civilians, particularly Christians, and praised what he described as the precision of the military operation.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from Nigerian authorities regarding the reported airstrikes or their impact. Security analysts note that developments in the North-West and broader Sahel region continue to draw international attention amid growing concerns over transnational terrorist activities.
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