US launches strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria

• The United States launched air strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria’s Sokoto state on December 25.

• The US military’s Africa Command said the strike was carried out at the request of the Nigerian authorities and killed multiple ISIS group militants.

• Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the US, to address terrorism and violent extremism.

• The US attacks were in line with established international practice and bilateral understandings.

• This cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.

• Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the strikes were carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the US, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.

• Nigeria’s population of 230 million people is split roughly evenly between Christians and Muslims. 

• The country's population is split between Muslims living primarily in the north and Christians in the south.

• Nigeria’s government has said armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, and US claims that Christians face persecution do not represent the complex security situation and ignore efforts to safeguard religious freedom.