Anna Hartz
Air security and counterterrorism efforts have become a daily concern across West Africa.
Air security and counterterrorism efforts have become a daily concern across West Africa. Armed groups move across borders with ease. Forested areas and remote terrain give them cover. Governments in the region now rely more on intelligence sharing and international support to stop attacks before they happen. Nigeria is one of the countries facing growing pressure from this shifting threat.
Approved by Nigerian President
The Nigerian government said US airstrikes hit two camps linked to the Islamic State group in northwestern Nigeria, according to Digi24. The camps were located in the Bauni forest in Sokoto state. Officials said the sites were used by fighters entering Nigeria from the Sahel region.
The strikes took place on Thursday. Nigerian authorities confirmed they were approved by President Bola Tinubu. The Ministry of Intelligence said the operation followed weeks of intelligence work. This included surveillance and detailed planning. The attacks were launched from maritime platforms positioned in the Gulf of Guinea.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes in a post on his Truth Social platform. He said US forces carried out the attack at the request of the Nigerian government. Trump stated that the Islamic State group had targeted Christian communities in the area. He described the operation as a success and said more action could follow.
Foreign Nationals
According to Nigerian officials. Sixteen GPS guided precision weapons were used. The strikes were carried out by MQ 9 Reaper drones. The government said the operation neutralized ISIS fighters attempting to cross into Nigeria. These fighters were believed to be foreign nationals working with local extremist groups.
Intelligence reports showed the camps were used to plan large attacks inside Nigeria. Officials said the goal was to disrupt those plans before they could be carried out. The presence of foreign fighters has raised concern among security agencies. It suggests a wider network operating beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Nigeria has faced Islamist violence for more than ten years. Groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates have carried out attacks across several regions. The involvement of fighters from outside the country signals a more complex threat.
The Nigerian government said it remains committed to protecting civilians and infrastructure. Officials pledged continued action against extremist networks operating across borders. They also stressed the importance of cooperation with international partners. For Nigeria. Preventing future attacks now depends on stopping militants long before they reach populated areas.
Sources: Digi24
