A Nigerian Muslim man has ignited a significant online conversation after publicly stating that the recent United States military action against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto should not be viewed as an attack on Islam. The statement, made on social media platform X, was a direct response to the airstrike ordered by US President Donald Trump.
A Northern Muslim's Perspective on the Airstrike
The man, who identifies as a northern Muslim, addressed his message directly to the Muslim faithful in Nigeria. He posted his views on December 26, 2025, challenging the narrative that the military operation was anti-Islamic. His core argument centered on the nature of the target: the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In his post, he wrote: "As a northern Muslim, if you truly reject ISWAP, then a bomb hitting their camp should not trouble you. A strike ordered under President Trump through the United States of America is not an attack on Islam. It is pressure on extremists who have murdered Muslims across the North."
He further emphasized the victims of the terrorist group, pointing out the hypocrisy in some reactions. "What we are seeing now are tears from ISWAP supporters. They cry for terrorists, not for the Muslims buried by them. That says everything you need to know," he added.
Debate and Reactions Erupt Online
The post quickly went viral, sparking a heated debate among Nigerians. The discussion split into several camps:
- Supporters agreed with the man, arguing that the fight is against terrorism, not religion, and that true Muslims should welcome actions against groups that kill innocent people.
- Critics questioned the legality and sovereignty implications of a foreign power conducting military operations on Nigerian soil, regardless of the target.
- Others engaged in a theological debate about the definition of jihad and the portrayal of Islam in the context of global counter-terrorism.
The incident highlights the complex and often painful internal discussions within Muslim communities in regions heavily impacted by extremist violence. The man's statement attempts to draw a clear line between the faith of Islam and the violent actions of groups claiming its banner.
The Context: US Military Action in Sokoto
The airstrike referenced by the social media user is part of ongoing international efforts to degrade the capabilities of ISIS affiliates in West Africa. Sokoto State, in northwestern Nigeria, has been a region affected by the activities of terrorist groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram factions.
These groups have been responsible for:
- Deadly attacks on civilian populations.
- Kidnappings for ransom.
- Destruction of communities and displacement of thousands.
The decision by the US to conduct a strike signifies the continued international concern over the stability of the region. The viral post by the Nigerian Muslim man provides a crucial, ground-level perspective that complicates the simplistic view of such actions as a 'clash of civilizations.' It frames the conflict as one between peace-loving citizens and a brutal extremist ideology, regardless of the actors involved.
The debate continues online, underscoring the diverse opinions within Nigeria regarding security, sovereignty, and the global war on terror.
