US bombs IS in Nigeria; What happened and why in few words

US airstrikes targeted so-called Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria overnight, in the state of Sokoto.

Nigeria, whose overstretched military is battling multiple armed groups, said the US operation was part of an exchange of intel between the two countries.

Washington has not said which group was targeted – only that they hit militants who predominantly attack Christians (though analysts say many Muslims are also killed in the country).

Armed groups in Nigeria include at least two affiliated with IS.

These are:

• an offshoot of the Boko Haram extremist group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast;
• and the lesser-known Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), with a group known as Lakurawa also prominent in the northwest.

Security analysts say the target – if indeed Islamic State militants – was likely members of Lakurawa.

This group has become more lethal in border states such as Sokoto in the past year, often targeting remote communities and security forces.

‘More to come’, warns Trump’s defence secretary

Pete Hegseth was quick to post on social media after the strikes.

“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” he wrote on social media.

While Washington has often expressed concern over the safety of Christians in the country, analysts have said Muslims have also suffered in Nigeria’s security crisis.

“The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight – on Christmas,” he added, referring to the department of defence.

He then wrote: “More to come…”