Overview
- AFRICOM confirmed a strike in northwest Nigeria with an initial assessment that multiple Islamic State militants were killed, but it did not disclose the weapons used or a full casualty count.
- President Trump framed the operation as a response to killings of Christians in Nigeria and said he had previously ordered planning for potential action.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government for cooperation and suggested additional strikes could follow.
- Reuters previously reported increased U.S. intelligence‑gathering flights over parts of Nigeria since late November, signaling closer security coordination.
- The action follows U.S. policy steps that re‑listed Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and imposed visa restrictions, while Nigerian officials and analysts stress the violence has complex, not solely religious, drivers.