U.S., Nigeria diverge in details over strikes on militants

Key Points

1. U.S. conducted strikes targeting militants in Nigeria on December 25-26, 2025.
2. Strikes targeted areas in northwestern Sokoto state.
3. Nigeria's Information Minister stated the strikes targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor.
4. Villages in Sokoto and Kwara states were hit by debris from the strikes.
5. The U.S. used MQ-9 Reaper drones and GPS-guided precision munitions in the strikes.
6. The strikes followed a diplomatic spat between Washington and Abuja regarding the framing of violence in Nigeria as religious persecution.