On December 31, Nigeria witnessed two brutal attacks. One targeted Christians attending a New Year’s Eve service, and the other struck a police station. Following these incidents, authorities arrested Abubakar Mustapha, a suspected suicide bomber, at the Banki Central Mosque. He was allegedly preparing for imminent attacks in nearby communities, bolstering fears of growing terrorist activity. This incident highlights the increasing pressure on Nigerian security forces.
In the face of this escalating threat, Nigerian troops successfully took significant steps against terrorism. Recent operations led to the arrest of 4,375 suspects and the rescue of over 2,300 kidnapped victims throughout the country. Such efforts are a response to the longstanding crisis exacerbated by groups like Boko Haram and supporters of the Islamic State, who have claimed thousands of lives.
According to Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, the Nigerian military has also killed at least 20 senior terrorist commanders in 2025 alone. These operations have targeted terrorist camps and disrupted supply chains for explosives, with security forces intercepting vehicles carrying dangerous materials like urea fertilizer. The military aims to both suppress the threats and reestablish security in farming and commerce in affected regions.
Notably, a partnership with the United States marked a shift in how this crisis is managed. Between December 25 and 26, U.S. airstrikes targeted ISIS-linked positions in Sokoto State using advanced drone technology and precision munitions. These were the first recognized direct combat actions on Nigerian soil by U.S. forces, signifying a momentous escalation in military cooperation. Where previous interactions focused largely on training and intelligence sharing, the current strategy has expanded to include decisive aerial strikes against terrorist strongholds.
The United States conducted these strikes in coordination with Nigerian authorities, highlighting a coordinated effort to tackle the growing challenge posed by extremist groups. This development follows years of violence against Christians in Nigeria, where thousands have suffered martyrdom. The Intersociety reported more than 7,000 Christian fatalities just within the first 220 days of 2025, signaling a shocking average of over 30 deaths per day.
The rise of ISWAP, which branched from Boko Haram, underscores the breadth of the jihadist threat in Nigeria. Their capacity to carry out hundreds of attacks indicates a level of organization and brutality that poses a significant challenge to any security efforts. The Nigerian military’s struggle against these groups speaks to the complex landscape of violence and insecurity that has enveloped the nation.
Former governmental concerns regarding human rights have restricted military assistance to Nigeria, but the increasing severity of the situation has prompted a reevaluation. U.S. officials now acknowledge that a more proactive approach is critical. As the situation deteriorates, the specter of further violence looms, displacing over 12 million people since 2009.
While some experts, like former National Security Council advisor Judd Devermont, advise caution, the recent precision strikes might provide a necessary short-term advantage. The hope is that with increased involvement, Nigerian forces can regain traction against these relentless threats.
The challenges are immense and multifaceted, but the combination of direct military action, ongoing training, and intelligence sharing may form a pathway toward restoring stability in a country facing unprecedented terror. Continued vigilance and cooperation will be vital as Nigeria battles to protect its citizens and reclaim peace from the clutches of extremism.
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