The United States conducted significant airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025, a military operation that has elicited varied reactions from both American and Nigerian authorities, as well as local communities. US President Donald Trump announced the "powerful and deadly strike," stating it was directed against ISIS terrorists in Northwest Nigeria who had been "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians." He warned of further attacks if the slaughter of Christians continued, boasting that the Department of War executed "perfect strikes" and even controversially extended "Merry Christmas" wishes to the deceased terrorists.

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's sentiments, thanking the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation in the operation. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) further confirmed the strikes, specifying that they occurred in Sokoto State and resulted in the killing of multiple ISIS terrorists. AFRICOM clarified that these lethal strikes were conducted "at the request of Nigerian authorities," demonstrating the US commitment to eliminating terrorist threats.

The Nigerian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed its structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry, stated that the airstrikes were "precision hits" on terrorist targets, part of broader efforts to address the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism and to protect lives. The Ministry emphasized that this cooperation involves intelligence exchange, strategic coordination, and other forms of support, all consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security. Nigeria reiterated its counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, affirming that terrorist violence is an affront to the nation's values and international peace.

Concurrent with these events, a local incident in Jabo, a town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, saw an explosive device burst into flames on Thursday night, causing panic and forcing residents to abandon their homes. Witnesses reported a loud sound and shaking houses as the object hit the ground. Soldiers quickly cordoned off the area and recovered scattered parts of the device. While the exact link between this explosion and the US airstrikes was initially unclear, it occurred in the same state confirmed by AFRICOM as the location of their operation.

However, the US military involvement did not receive universal support. Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi strongly called for the Federal Government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States. Gumi warned that American involvement could exacerbate Nigeria’s security challenges, undermine national sovereignty, and lead to civilian casualties and hidden political motives. He argued that the US lacks the moral authority to lead such efforts and that allowing Nigeria to become a "theatre of war" could attract anti-US forces. Gumi also cautioned against the potential for US involvement, particularly under claims of protecting Christians, to polarize the country along religious lines. He asserted that airstrikes alone are insufficient to defeat terrorism, advocating for strong ground operations, which he believes Nigeria has the personnel to execute if properly organized, and suggested alternative military assistance from countries like China, Turkey, and Pakistan.