The United States conducted airstrikes in Nigeria’s Sokoto State on Christmas Day, specifically targeting elements of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Lakurawa terrorist group. This operation, confirmed by the Nigerian Presidency, marks a significant development in the ongoing fight against extremism in the region.
President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, revealed that the ISWAP militants had infiltrated from the Sahel region to collaborate with the Lakurawa group and local bandit gangs. He stated that the joint terrorist network was the primary focus of the US military action.
According to Bwala, the collaboration between ISWAP and the Lakurawa terrorists involved the provision of supplies and training, underscoring a growing nexus between international extremist organizations and local insurgent groups. This alliance poses an escalating threat to regional stability.
The Nigerian government has affirmed its cooperation with the US in executing these strikes, highlighting a strengthened bilateral commitment to counter-terrorism efforts. The coordinated operation aims to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and disrupt their operational capabilities.
While the exact scale of the operation and its immediate impact are still being assessed, the strikes signal a proactive stance against terrorist proliferation. The involvement of ISWAP, an affiliate of the Islamic State, indicates a widening theater of operations for the global terror network.
Officials emphasized that the targeted attacks were designed to neutralize specific terrorist threats and were carried out with precision. The Presidency reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerian citizens against all forms of terrorism and banditry.
