Residents and a motorcyclist move between destroyed structures in Offa on December 27, 2025, caused by debris from expended munitions that fell from US strikes on unspecified militants linked to the Islamic State group in Nigeria. ABIODUN JAMIU / AFP
Immediately following surprise US strikes targeting militants in Nigeria, it remained unclear who or what was actually hit as Washington and Abuja told slightly different stories. Complicating matters was the fact that the strikes were delayed by American President Donald Trump, apparently to prioritize the symbolism of launching the attack on Christmas, and allegations that Washington backed out of issuing a joint statement with the Nigerians.
The two countries agree the strikes hit targets linked to Islamic State, but neither immediately provided details on which of Nigeria's myriad armed groups were targeted. "Twenty-four hours after the bombing, neither Nigeria nor its so-called 'international partners' can provide clear, verifiable information about what was actually struck," activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore said Saturday.
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Trump orders strikes on 'terrorists' in Nigeria, bolstering cooperation with Abuja
