Nigeria has indicated that more strikes are expected following a US-led bombardment against ISIS-linked militants in the northwest on Christmas Day. The military said its forces jointly conducted “precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements.”
Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told Channels TV that Abuja provided intelligence for the operation and confirmed he was in contact with US officials before the strike.
US Africa Command said “multiple ISIS terrorists” were killed in Sokoto State, while footage later shared by US defence officials showed a missile launched at night.
Residents in Jabo town said the explosions caused panic, noting that the area has not seen jihadist attacks for two years. Which armed groups were targeted remains unclear as analysts differ over connections between local militants and Islamic State affiliates.
Amid diplomatic pressure from Washington, Nigeria has welcomed the cooperation but rejected portrayals of the violence as religious persecution. Tuggar said President Bola Tinubu authorised the strikes, stressing that the operation was “not targeting any religion.”
Security experts say Nigeria aims to show strong collaboration with the US as authorities battle multiple armed groups in the north.