A military operation by the United States against terrorists in Nigeria's northwest has sparked a wave of reactions across the nation. The air strike, which targeted an ISIS-linked enclave in Sokoto State on Thursday, December 25, 2025, was carried out following a formal request from Nigerian authorities.
Operation Details and Political Backdrop
The action comes weeks after former US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential military intervention in Nigeria during remarks made in November. Trump had cited concerns raised by some American politicians regarding the targeting of Christians in the country. However, the December 25 operation was distinctly a collaborative effort, sanctioned by the Nigerian government, rather than a unilateral move.
Initial reports and a shared video suggest the strike was aimed at the Lakurawa terrorist group, a faction known for its increasing lethality and ties to the Islamic State.
Voices from Analysts and the Public
Reactions on social media and from experts have been varied, reflecting a complex national sentiment towards foreign military assistance.
Dr. Bulama Bukarti, a peace and conflict analyst and human rights lawyer, expressed approval of the collaborative approach. He stated that working with the Nigerian government was a positive step, likely to help degrade the leadership and logistics of the terrorist group. He emphasized the importance of the operation being conducted with official consent.
Prominent writer Abubakar Adam Ibrahim shared a pragmatic view on Facebook. He noted that if the Nigerian military, which has demonstrated capability abroad, has been unable to strike these domestic terrorists, he welcomed the assistance. His post carried a strong call for Nigeria to awaken to its security responsibilities.
Social Media Echo Chamber
On platform X, user Maliq (@MasterMaliq), identifying as a northern Muslim, framed the strike as pressure on extremists, not an attack on Islam. He argued that true rejection of groups like ISWAP should mean support for actions that dismantle them, highlighting that these terrorists have primarily victimized Muslims in the region.
Influencer Man of Letters (@Letter_to_Jack) directly thanked the US and Donald Trump, labeling America a "cooperative big brother" and urging continued action against the terrorists with the permission of Aso Villa, Nigeria's presidential seat.
Another user, Kingprince (@Kingprince006), welcomed the airstrike "with full chest," expressing a desire for absolute peace and an end to terrorism and its sponsors.
Meanwhile, Thεό Abu (@TheoAbuAgada) critiqued the Nigerian government's communication strategy, pointing out that local media only reported the event after the US President's post, despite the operation being a joint endeavor.
Implications and the Path Forward
The event underscores the ongoing severity of the security challenge in Nigeria's northwest and the sometimes contentious role of international partners. The predominant theme in the supportive reactions is a frustration with domestic security apparatuses and a willingness to accept external help when it is coordinated with national authorities.
The operation sets a precedent for future bilateral security cooperation. The key takeaway for many Nigerians, as voiced in the reactions, is a fervent hope that this intervention catalyzes a more robust and effective response from the country's own military and security institutions.
