Nigeria conflict with Islamic State militants
The Nigerian military conducted an airstrike on April 11, 2026, in Yobe State, targeting an ISWAP logistics hub, reportedly neutralizing scores of terrorists, though conflicting reports suggest dozens of civilian deaths. As of April 11, 2026: The ongoing conflict with Islamic State militants persists, with continued military operations and international cooperation. The United States has deepened its security cooperation with Nigeria, deploying approximately 200 troops by February 2026 for advisory roles, intelligence sharing, and capacity building, following initial airstrikes in December 2025 against Islamic State militants in Sokoto State. These strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, targeted groups like Lakurawa, which combines militant Islamist governance with extortion and kidnapping, and were aimed at protecting Christians, though Nigerian officials and residents suggest their effectiveness has been limited.
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April 2026 — 1 developments
The Nigerian military conducted an airstrike on April 11, 2026, in Yobe State, targeting a logistics…
The Nigerian military conducted an airstrike on April 11, 2026, in Yobe State, targeting a logistics hub used by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and reportedly neutralizing scores of terrorists. Conflicting reports suggest dozens of civilian deaths, including traders, in the operation.
March 2026 — 1 developments
The United States has continued to deepen its security cooperation with Nigeria following the December 2025 airstrikes, with a contingent of U.
The United States has continued to deepen its security cooperation with Nigeria following the December 2025 airstrikes, with a contingent of U.S. personnel arriving in February 2026 to provide intelligence fusion and ISR capabilities. An additional 100 troops are expected by the end of February, bringing the total deployment to 200 military units, who will focus on advisory roles, intelligence sharing, and capacity building rather than direct combat.
February 2026 — 3 developments
The group known as Lakurawa, designated a terrorist group by Abuja in 2025, was targeted in the US airstrikes in northwest Nigeria.
The group known as Lakurawa, designated a terrorist group by Abuja in 2025, was targeted in the US airstrikes in northwest Nigeria. This group combines militant Islamist governance with extortion and kidnapping, and functions as a conduit for the territorial ambitions of ISSP and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Despite U.S. airstrikes ordered by President Trump in December 2025, fighters affiliated with the Is…
Despite U.S. airstrikes ordered by President Trump in December 2025, fighters affiliated with the Islamic State are reportedly on the offensive in northwest Nigeria. Nigerian officials and residents suggest the strikes, aimed at protecting Christians, were largely ineffective, indicating the ongoing terrorist threat in the region persists.
The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking the first official acknowl…
The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking the first official acknowledgment of US forces on the ground since airstrikes were conducted in December 2025. This deployment follows an agreement between the two nations to bolster counter-terrorism efforts.
January 2026 — 1 developments
The US airstrikes on Christmas Day appeared to target the camps of the Lakurawa violent extremist group in the Tangaza area of Sokoto State.
The US airstrikes on Christmas Day appeared to target the camps of the Lakurawa violent extremist group in the Tangaza area of Sokoto State.
December 2025 — 6 developments
The United States conducted airstrikes on December 25, 2025, against Islamic State militants in nort…
The United States conducted airstrikes on December 25, 2025, against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria, targeting two camps in Sokoto State with over a dozen Tomahawk missiles and MQ-9 Reaper drones. President Donald Trump stated the strikes were aimed at groups "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians." Following the strikes, the US has deployed approximately 200 troops to train and advise the Nigerian military.
The US strikes involved a Navy warship firing Tomahawk missiles, with President Trump stating they targeted ISIS members killing Christians.
The US strikes involved a Navy warship firing Tomahawk missiles, with President Trump stating they targeted ISIS members killing Christians. The operation was influenced by US Christian groups, while Nigeria contends the violence is criminal rather than religious.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria provided intelligence for the strikes,…
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria provided intelligence for the strikes, which were part of "joint ongoing operations," and President Trump stated the initial strike was delayed to Christmas for impact. Residents of Jabo village reported panic from the nearby airstrikes, and initial tensions arose between the US and Nigerian governments over US claims of Christian persecution.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation,…
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation, adding 'More to come…'
Nigeria's Foreign Ministry confirmed the airstrikes, describing them as 'precision hits on terrorist…
Nigeria's Foreign Ministry confirmed the airstrikes, describing them as 'precision hits on terrorist targets' and affirming ongoing 'structured security cooperation' with Washington.
President Trump announced the 'powerful and deadly' strikes on his Truth Social platform, stating they targeted 'ISIS Terrorist Scum' who had been targeting Christians.
President Trump announced the 'powerful and deadly' strikes on his Truth Social platform, stating they targeted 'ISIS Terrorist Scum' who had been targeting Christians.
November 2025 — 3 developments
Reuters reported that the U.
Reuters reported that the U.S. had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.
The U.S. State Department announced restrictions on visas for Nigerians and their family members inv…
The U.S. State Department announced restrictions on visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in mass killings and violence against Christians.
President Trump reportedly ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following claims of Christian persecution.
President Trump reportedly ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following claims of Christian persecution.
October 2025 — 1 developments
U.S. President Donald Trump began issuing warnings that Christianity faced an 'existential threat' i…
U.S. President Donald Trump began issuing warnings that Christianity faced an 'existential threat' in Nigeria and threatened military intervention over the alleged mistreatment of Christians.