Trump confirms US-Nigeria Christmas air strikes in Sokoto targeting ISIS terrorists, stressing joint operations respect Nigeria’s sovereignty

President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States coordinated air strikes in Sokoto, Nigeria, on Christmas Day to target ISIS terrorists in collaboration with the Nigerian government.

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Trump made the disclosure on Thursday, February 5, while addressing attendees at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., explaining that the operation aimed to “decimate the ISIS terrorists who have been slaughtering Christians in that country by the thousands.”

“We hit them so hard they still don’t know what the hell happened. And we were going to do it on a different day. I said no, do it on Christmas. So they understand it,” Trump said.

The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria later clarified that the US-Nigeria security partnership focuses on capacity building, strategic dialogue, professional military education, logistic support and intelligence sharing.

The collaboration is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts while fully respecting the country’s sovereignty.

General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, head of the US Africa Command, had earlier confirmed meetings with President Bola Tinubu to discuss joint security operations, noting that a small US team would provide specialised capabilities to complement Nigerian forces.

The arrival of the US team was subsequently confirmed by the Nigerian Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa.

The joint military operation has drawn criticism from Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central.

Ningi described the strikes as a violation of Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty and a breach of the United Nations Charter, stating that such actions should require National Assembly approval and coordination with local security agencies.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, responded that all operations conducted with the United States are under existing bilateral frameworks, ensuring that Nigeria’s sovereignty is fully protected.

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The disclosure comes as security concerns in Nigeria persist, highlighted by recent terrorist attacks, including a deadly assault on Ilesha Baruba in Kwara State, which left six people dead.