Nigeria’s decision to publicly coordinate with the US on air strikes carried out on Christmas Day appears to have eased diplomatic tensions following earlier warnings from Washington about taking unilateral military action.
The US president said American forces had launched air strikes in northwestern Nigeria at the request of Abuja, a claim later acknowledged by Nigerian officials. Authorities in Nigeria confirmed they had approved the operation, stressing that it was conducted jointly and was aimed at addressing security threats rather than targeting any religious group.
Residents in the village of Jabo reported hearing loud explosions on Christmas Day evening, according to media reports. There was no independent confirmation of casualties, and officials have not released further details on the impact of the strikes.
Nigeria’s foreign minister said cooperation with international partners was part of broader efforts to combat violence and protect civilians in a country with a diverse religious and ethnic makeup. He rejected suggestions that the operation was linked to sectarian motives, underlining that Nigeria’s security challenges affect communities across the country.
Last month, Washington had warned it could take direct military action unless Nigerian authorities acted against insecurity, citing concerns over attacks on civilians. Nigeria’s government responded by reaffirming its willingness to work with partners while disputing claims that any one religious group was being systematically targeted.
Security analysts say the joint approach may help Nigeria manage relations with the US, but questions remain about the effectiveness of air strikes in weakening armed groups operating in remote areas. Some experts noted that the location targeted had not previously been identified as a major stronghold, raising uncertainty about the strike’s strategic value.
The northwestern region has experienced rising violence in recent years, with authorities blaming armed groups accused of attacks on villages, kidnappings and criminal activity. Nigeria earlier designated one such group operating in the area as a terrorist organisation.
While cooperation with the US may reduce the risk of unilateral action, analysts caution that it could also expose the government to criticism if the strikes are seen as aligning with external political narratives. As insecurity persists, the broader challenge for Nigeria remains translating military coordination into lasting stability on the ground.