On December 26, 2025, U.S.-backed airstrikes were executed in Nigeria, specifically targeting two camps associated with the Islamic State located in the Bauni forest of Sokoto State. This operation received approval from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and was conducted from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea, following comprehensive intelligence gathering and operational planning, as reported by the Nigerian information ministry.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strikes via Truth Social, stating that they were carried out at the request of the Nigerian government due to the group's attacks on Christians in the region. The operation involved the deployment of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, which successfully neutralized the identified ISIS elements.

Intelligence reports indicated that these camps were being used by foreign ISIS fighters in collaboration with local affiliates to plan large-scale attacks within Nigeria. While no civilian casualties were reported, debris from the strikes fell in two towns in Sokoto and Kwara states, raising concerns about the potential impact on local communities.

Trump characterized the operation as a series of “numerous perfect strikes” and suggested that further actions could follow. This operation marks a significant collaboration between the Nigerian government and the United States, reflecting an increase in security cooperation as Islamist violence spreads southward from the Sahel region.

Authorities in Sokoto State confirmed the strikes and urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing that ongoing operations aim to secure the state and protect lives and property. Nigeria has been grappling with challenges posed by Islamist insurgents for over a decade, and the involvement of foreign fighters linked to ISIS indicates a heightened threat level. The Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and pledged to take further action against transnational extremist networks.