Details emerging from international media reports regarding the United States airstrike targeting members of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria.

According to information attributed to Fox News, intelligence monitoring reportedly detected an unusual concentration of ISIS fighters who had converged on a remote camp in Sokoto. The report claims that the militants had traveled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and other locations within Nigeria. The alleged purpose of the gathering was to coordinate planned attacks across four Nigerian states during the Christmas period.

The report further states that U.S. forces, having monitored the movements of ISIS and affiliated extremist groups, took advantage of the gathering to carry out a large-scale military strike. The operation was reportedly launched from a U.S. military vessel and targeted the camp where the fighters were assembled. The strike was said to have taken place on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Following the alleged operation, a statement was attributed to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who claimed responsibility for ordering the strike. In the statement, Trump described the operation as a decisive action against ISIS elements in northwest Nigeria and accused the group of targeting civilians, particularly Christian communities.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria,” the statement read in part. He further warned extremist groups that continued violence against civilians would result in severe consequences, adding that the U.S. Department of Defense had carried out what he described as “numerous perfect strikes.”

As of the time of writing, no independent confirmation has been provided by Nigerian authorities, the U.S. Department of Defense, or international observers regarding the alleged airstrike or its reported outcome.