Conflicting narratives have emerged between the United States and Nigerian governments regarding a series of airstrikes conducted against terrorist targets in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day. While both nations agree the operation targeted Islamic State-linked elements, significant discrepancies in the details, the timing chosen by former US President Donald Trump, and the handling of public communication have sparked a fierce debate about national sovereignty and operational transparency.
Conflicting Narratives and a Delayed Christmas Strike
The military action, which occurred overnight from Thursday, December 25, into Friday, December 26, 2025, initially saw former US President Donald Trump take to social media to claim credit. He stated the strikes targeted "ISIS Terrorist Scum" and later told Politico outlet that the operation was deliberately scheduled for Christmas, stating, "I said, 'nope, let's give a Christmas present.'" This revelation raised immediate questions about the strategic rationale versus symbolic messaging behind the attack's timing.
In response, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar asserted the operation was a joint effort. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu gave final authorization and that Nigerian intelligence was crucial. However, Tuggar revealed a diplomatic friction point, alleging that while he and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed on a joint statement, Washington proceeded to issue its own announcement unilaterally.
Unclear Targets and Civilian Impact in Sokoto
For nearly 24 hours, confusion reigned over the exact nature of the targets. Nigeria's Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, finally clarified late Friday that the strikes hit "two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves" in the Tangaza district of Sokoto State. He specified that 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper drones, launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea.
Despite claims of precision, the operation had collateral effects. Minister Idris confirmed that other villages were struck by debris from the explosions. Images from an AFP photographer in Offa, Kwara state, showed significant damage to buildings, with collapsed roofs and scattered belongings. In Sokoto's Jabo town, explosions from falling debris shook the community, surprising locals like resident Haruna Kallah, who told AFP the area was not known as an armed group stronghold. No civilian casualties were reported.
Analyst Skepticism and Sovereignty Concerns
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and analysts. Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore criticized the lack of clear, verifiable information 24 hours post-strike. The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slammed the government for allowing "foreign powers" to announce security operations before Nigeria's own authorities.
Analysts also expressed confusion over the choice of location. Nigeria's most entrenched jihadist threat is concentrated in the northeast, not the northwest. While some researchers link the Sokoto-based group Lakurawa to Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), these connections are disputed. This, combined with Trump's recent controversial framing of Nigeria's violence as "persecution" against Christians—a claim rejected by Abuja and independent analysts—has led critics to question the substance behind the symbolism of the Christmas strikes.
Daniel Bwala, an adviser to President Tinubu, listed Islamic State, Lakurawa, or northwestern "bandits" as potential targets, underscoring the ongoing ambiguity. Both nations have indicated that more strikes are possible, leaving open questions about future cooperation, communication protocols, and the enduring impact on Nigeria's security sovereignty.
