U.S.-backed airstrikes were conducted in Nigeria, specifically targeting two camps associated with the Islamic State in the Bauni forest of Sokoto State. The Nigerian government reported that these strikes aimed to address the infiltration of foreign fighters from the Sahel region.

The airstrikes, which took place on Thursday, received approval from President Bola Tinubu and were executed from maritime platforms located in the Gulf of Guinea. This operation followed extensive intelligence gathering and operational planning, as stated by the Nigerian information ministry.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Truth Social, indicating that they were carried out at the request of the Nigerian government. He noted that the targeted group had been specifically attacking Christians in the area.

According to the Nigerian government, a total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, successfully neutralizing the identified ISIS elements. Intelligence suggested that these camps were utilized by foreign ISIS affiliates collaborating with local groups to orchestrate large-scale attacks within Nigeria.

While no civilian casualties were reported, debris from the strikes fell in two towns in Sokoto and Kwara states. Trump characterized the operation as involving "numerous perfect strikes" and indicated that further actions could be anticipated.

This operation represents a notable collaboration between the Nigerian government and the United States, highlighting an increase in security cooperation as Islamist violence extends southward from the Sahel region. Authorities in Sokoto State confirmed the strikes and urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing that ongoing operations are intended to secure the state and protect lives and property.

Nigeria has faced challenges from Islamist insurgents for over a decade, and the involvement of foreign fighters linked to ISIS suggests a heightened level of threat. The Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and pledged to take further action against transnational extremist networks.