The United States has revealed that recent military strikes against ISIS-linked fighters in Nigeria were carried out following directives issued by former President Donald Trump as part of a broader counterterrorism strategy.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth disclosed that the operations were aimed at weakening terrorist networks operating across parts of Africa, including groups linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province active in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.
According to US officials, the strikes formed part of coordinated efforts involving intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and military cooperation with regional partners fighting extremist groups.
The Pentagon stated that the operations were designed to disrupt terrorist movements, destroy operational bases, and reduce threats posed by ISIS-affiliated fighters in West Africa.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that extremist groups continue to expand activities around northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries despite years of military operations.
Insurgency linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest security challenges, especially in the North-East where attacks, abductions, and assaults on communities continue to occur.
The latest comments from US authorities have drawn attention to America’s continued involvement in counterterrorism efforts across Africa and its security partnership with Nigeria.
Analysts believe the disclosure may also reopen debates about foreign military support, intelligence sharing, and the effectiveness of international operations against insurgent groups operating in the region.
Nigerian security forces have in recent months intensified operations against terrorists and armed groups across several northern states with support from regional and international allies.
Military authorities insist that progress is being made despite continued attacks by insurgents and criminal gangs operating in remote communities and forest areas.
The US government has repeatedly described West Africa as an important region in global counterterrorism operations due to the growing activities of extremist organisations across the Sahel and surrounding areas.