US strikes ISIS group in the northwest of Nigeria

On 26 December we received the news that the US launched an attack on an ISIS group in the Northwest of Nigeria. This attack follows Pres. Donald Trump’s threats in late October to take military action because Christians in northern Nigeria faced an “existential threat” as a result of the country’s failure to stop targeted violence on Christian communities.

Location of attack (updated on 7:55 GMT 26/12/2026)
Please note that details can change due to the fluid nature of the incident.

According to local OD contacts the airstrikes have hit terrorist camps in Jabo, a rural community in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with multiple ISIS militants reportedly killed.

Jabo is a predominantly Fulani town in Sokoto State and has been identified as a haven for militants and a link to neighbouring states like Kebbi and Zamfara. To the best of our knowledge there is no church presence in Jabo.

Right now, there are fears of retaliation because of the airstrike. Field partners are closely monitoring the situation.

What we know
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” Pres. Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he went on. “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on X said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”

The US military’s Africa Command also shared the that the strike was conducted “At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities…”

According to the social media statement the “U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.”

The military actions have been carried out in collaboration with the government of Nigeria.

Field Statement (updated on 9:55 GMT 26/12/2026)
“The CPC designation has brought welcome urgency to address the security challenges in northern Nigeria and the way Christians have been disproportionately affected,” says Jo Newhouse*, OD spokesperson for the work in SSA. “However, this airstrike may come at a cost. Field contacts have told OD that Christians in adjacent areas have grave fears over retaliation against them, especially in the North Central where most deaths of Christian have been recorded.”

“ISIS affiliates have made their intent to target Christians clear. The Northwest of Nigeria has been a haven for so called bandits who have increasingly aligned with jihadist terror groups. This convergence is of great concern.”

“We call on the Nigerian government to remain vigilant in offering protection to civilians and avoid unintended humanitarian consequences.”

She continued: “Open Doors has repeatedly heard from Nigerian Christians how grateful they are that the world is starting to pay attention to their plight. We pray that the Nigerian government, in collaboration with the international community, will pursue lasting solutions that ensure peace, protection of civilians and religious freedom for all. Proactive measures to end the violence include actively working to end impunity and remove small arms from the hands of militants.

“We ask the global Church to join us in continued prayer for Nigeria and for Christians in the North facing targeted attacks with horrendous results.”

Prayer points
At this stage we know very little about the wider impact of this attack.

• Please pray for wisdom for authorities as they decide next steps and any communities in the surrounding area of the attack.
• Pray for Christians in Northern Nigeria as there is a great deal of fear and uncertainty at the moment following this attack.