U.S. Military Strikes in Nigeria: A Turning Point in Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

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By Hon Daniel Asekhame 


In a significant escalation of international counter-terrorism efforts, the United States military launched airstrikes against ISIS-linked militant groups in northwest Nigeria in late December 2025. The strikes, which targeted extremist positions near Sokoto State, were carried out with the approval and cooperation of the Nigerian government, marking a major moment in the decades-long fight against violent extremism in West Africa.

Nigeria has faced a persistent security crisis for more than a decade, with multiple armed groups operating across its northern and central regions. Most notably, the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, while Islamic State-aligned fighters have expanded operations into the northwest. Traditional security forces have struggled to contain these threats due to gaps in intelligence, equipment, and coordination.

In this context, the United States — already a partner in intelligence and training — agreed with Nigerian authorities to conduct targeted strikes to disrupt extremist networks that have increasingly threatened local communities and regional stability.

According to official statements from both governments, the U.S. carried out precision airstrikes against known militant camps and infrastructure. These operations were planned using shared intelligence and were conducted with care to minimize civilian harm, according to military sources. Nigerian officials confirmed that the strikes were a joint effort designed to respect the country’s sovereignty and legal frameworks.

Supporters of the strikes point to several possible advantages:

  • Degrading extremist capabilities: Targeted strikes can disrupt militant operations, destroying weapons caches and command posts that would otherwise pose ongoing threats to civilians and military forces.

  • Enhanced intelligence sharing: The operation highlighted the value of cooperation, with Nigerian and U.S. intelligence services working together to identify high-value targets.

  • Regional deterrence: Demonstrating that extremist sanctuaries can be reached even in remote areas may discourage further expansion by militant groups.

  • Stronger bilateral relations: The coordinated action reinforces security ties between Abuja and Washington, signaling a shared commitment to combating terrorism.

Despite these potential benefits, the strikes have also generated significant debate:

  • Sovereignty Sensitivities: Even with consent, foreign military actions within Nigerian borders raise questions about national control over security decisions. Critics argue that reliance on external forces could undermine local ownership of security strategies.

  • Risk to Civilians: Airstrikes, no matter how precise, carry the risk of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Such outcomes can fuel resentment and undermine long-term stability.

  • Mixed Messaging: While U.S. officials emphasized the humanitarian nature of the strikes, some public discourse framed the operation in terms of religious protection — a portrayal that can inflame Nigeria’s delicate inter-faith dynamics.

  • Backlash and Public Opinion: Several Nigerian leaders and civil society figures have voiced concern over foreign military involvement, calling instead for stronger national capacity and solutions to root causes like poverty and governance gaps.

  • Temporary Gains vs. Long-Term Solutions: Military action may degrade extremist groups in the short term, but lasting peace requires addressing deeper political, economic, and social drivers of insurgency.

The U.S. strikes in Nigeria highlight both the promise and limits of foreign military assistance. They demonstrate that international cooperation can yield tactical advantages against violent extremists. However, they also underscore the need for strengthened Nigerian security institutions, better governance, and inclusive development strategies to ensure that military victories translate into sustainable peace.

As Nigeria and the United States continue to navigate this partnership, the focus will likely shift toward balancing decisive action against militants with efforts to nurture local capacity and stability across the region.


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