Nigeria Confirms Intelligence Sharing Ahead of U.S. Airstrikes on ISIS in Northwest Nigeria
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria confirmed on Friday that it shared intelligence with the United States prior to the Christmas night airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, marking a significant step in joint counterterrorism efforts. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the cooperation involved “structured security cooperation” and “strategic coordination” that enabled precision strikes against terrorist strongholds.
President Donald Trump announced the airstrikes on Christmas night, describing the operation as a response to ISIS militants who have been accused of targeting and killing Christians in the region. “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,” Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social. He added a stern warning that further attacks would follow if the violence against Christians continued.
The Nigerian Ministry emphasized that all counterterrorism efforts are guided by the principles of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity. “Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X.
Christian charity Open Doors, which monitors persecution worldwide, reported that the airstrikes targeted terrorist camps in Jabo, a rural community in the Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State. This area has been identified as a haven for militants and a nexus linking neighboring states such as Kebbi and Zamfara. Multiple ISIS militants were reportedly killed in the strikes. Open Doors noted that Jabo is predominantly Fulani and does not have a church presence, highlighting the complex local dynamics.
The U.S. Department of Defense released footage showing munitions being launched during the Christmas night operation, underscoring the precision and scale of the strikes. The department’s actions align with the broader U.S. strategy to combat radical Islamic terrorism globally, particularly in regions where extremist groups threaten civilian populations.
These developments come amid rising concerns over the safety of Nigeria’s Christian communities, who have faced increasing attacks attributed to ISIS-affiliated groups. President Trump’s direct involvement and public statements signal a renewed U.S. commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
For more on U.S. counterterrorism efforts, see the Department of Defense. Information on Nigeria’s diplomatic and security cooperation can be found at the U.S. Department of State. The Central Intelligence Agency provides background on global terrorist threats, including ISIS activities. Updates on religious persecution worldwide are available through Open Doors USA.
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