Airstrike Against ISIS in Sokoto State, Nigeria Amid Documented Violence Targeting Christians

WEST AFRICA - U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike in Sokoto State, Nigeria, today, targeting ISIS terrorists and resulting in multiple deaths, in coordination with Nigerian authorities and at the direction of the President and Secretary of War. President Donald J. Trump issued a statement today announcing the operation against ISIS elements accused of attacks on Christians. Throughout 2025, Nigeria experienced multiple incidents of violence targeting Christian communities, with thousands reported killed in various attacks across regions like Benue State and the northwest. Government sources acknowledge ongoing threats from groups such as ISIS-West Africa and Boko Haram, affecting civilians of all faiths but with documented impacts on Christians. NGO assessments highlight abductions from Catholic schools and massacres in villages, attributing them to Islamist militants and bandit groups. International organizations document persistent violence in Nigeria's northwest, attributed to multiple actors including bandit groups and Islamist militants, estimating over 7,000 Christians massacred in the first 220 days alone. The strike aligns with U.S. counter-terrorism priorities in Africa. The operation follows presidential warnings regarding religious persecution in Nigeria. Nigerian government communications emphasize domestic efforts against insurgents, now including U.S. coordination. Projections based on U.S. Africa Command postures indicate potential for continued actions if threats persist. Academic and NGO reports provide context on the violence, noting economic drivers and resource competition exacerbating insurgencies. U.S. Africa Command's press release states the strike occurred in Sokoto State, targeting ISIS camps and killing multiple terrorists. The operation followed presidential and secretarial direction, with initial assessments confirming casualties. No further specifics were released to maintain operational security. The operation followed presidential and secretarial direction, with initial assessments confirming casualties. No further specifics were released to maintain operational security. General Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command, emphasized cooperation with Nigerian and regional partners to counter threats. This action represents direct U.S. involvement in Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts, differing from prior partnerships focused on training and equipment.