‘The Best Christmas Gift’: Nigerians Divided Over US Military Strike on ISIS in Sokoto

‘The Best Christmas Gift’: Nigerians Divided Over US Military Strike on ISIS in Sokoto
Not all reactions were supportive. Several contributors raised concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty
Some welcomed the strike as a timely boost to Nigeria’s prolonged fight against terrorism

Reactions have continued to trail the reported United States military strike on an Islamic State (ISIS) hideout in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria, as Nigerians expressed sharply differing views across radio phone-in programmes and social media platforms, including X.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the strike, which the United States said was carried out by its Africa Command (AFRICOM), was described as part of ongoing efforts to degrade extremist networks operating across parts of Africa.

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Nigerian authorities have confirmed security cooperation with the US but have yet to provide detailed operational information on the incident.

On Nigeria Info 99.3 FM’s Morning Crossfire programme, callers expressed divided opinions over the development. While some welcomed the strike as a timely boost to Nigeria’s prolonged fight against terrorism, others questioned why foreign military intervention was necessary on Nigerian soil.

One caller described the operation as “a very good one” and referred to it as “the best Christmas gift,” adding that it signalled an approaching end for terrorist groups. He dismissed claims that the US was targeting Nigeria’s government, insisting that the operation was directed solely at groups already declared enemies of the state.

Another caller, however, voiced concern over Nigeria’s reliance on external forces for internal security. He argued that a sovereign nation should be able to protect its citizens independently and linked the situation to broader frustrations with leadership and governance. He called for increased political participation by younger Nigerians.

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Beyond radio discussions, reactions on X and other social media platforms drew comparisons between the reported Sokoto strike and long standing US air operations in other African countries, particularly Somalia.

Several users cited data attributed to the New America Foundation, noting that the US military has conducted at least 111 airstrikes in Somalia since Donald Trump returned to office.

One post described the Sokoto operation as routine, stating that such strikes were a normal part of AFRICOM’s activities.

Others noted that similar aircraft, weapons and command structures used in Somalia were now being deployed in other parts of the continent, underscoring the scale of US military reach in Africa.

Some users expressed concern over the intensity and frequency of the strikes, pointing out that the number reportedly carried out this year exceeds the combined total under former presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. This, they warned, could signal a dangerous escalation.

Others argued that the campaign was unlikely to be short lived, with one user noting that such operations are typically continuous rather than temporary.

Not all reactions were supportive. Several contributors raised concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of civilians. One radio caller said he was uneasy about whether Nigerian authorities were fully informed before the strike was carried out.

“I don’t know why Nigerians are happy with the United States coming into Nigeria. I hope they informed the Nigerian government properly,” he said.

There were also warnings against framing the operation in religious terms, with some Nigerians cautioning that such narratives could inflame tensions in a country marked by deep religious and ethnic diversity.

Despite the wide range of opinions, many Nigerians agreed on the urgent need for lasting peace, stronger institutions and improved security across the country.