The United States has carried out an airstrike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced, in what marks a notable escalation of U.S. military involvement in the country’s fight against extremist groups.

According to ABC News, Trump said in a statement posted on social media on Christmas Day that the U.S. military launched what he described as a “powerful and deadly” strike against Islamic State fighters operating in northwest Nigeria. He accused the group of carrying out violent attacks on civilians, particularly targeting Christian communities, although he did not provide details on casualties or specific locations hit.

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the operation took place in Sokoto State and said it was conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government. According to AFRICOM, the strike killed several Islamic State militants, but the military did not release exact casualty figures or further operational details.

The South China Morning Post reported that the airstrike was carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities, reflecting ongoing security cooperation between the two countries. A U.S. defence official told journalists that the operation involved intelligence sharing and prior approval from Nigeria’s government.

Trump’s announcement followed earlier criticism of Nigeria’s handling of extremist violence.

According to NBC4 Washington, Nigerian officials have acknowledged the security challenge posed by armed groups but have stressed that attacks affect both Christian and Muslim communities, and that the violence is not limited to one religious group.

Nigeria has faced years of insurgency and armed attacks linked to Islamic State affiliates and Boko Haram, particularly in the north-east and north-west regions. These groups have carried out raids, bombings and kidnappings that have displaced thousands of civilians and strained local security forces.

The South China Morning Post reported that the strike comes after Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare military options in response to continued extremist violence. The United States has also imposed visa restrictions on individuals linked to religiously motivated attacks, and Nigeria has previously been designated a “country of particular concern” under U.S. religious freedom laws.

The Sokoto operation is among the most direct U.S. military actions on Nigerian territory during Trump’s current term. Both U.S. and Nigerian officials said the strike was aimed at weakening militant networks and supporting Nigeria’s broader counter-terrorism efforts.

Nigeria’s government has reiterated its commitment to working with international partners while maintaining that lasting security will require strengthening domestic forces and addressing the underlying causes of extremism.