United States Congressman Riley Moore has defended President Donald Trump’s recent airstrikes in Nigeria, insisting that the operation aimed to restore peace rather than escalate conflict. According to Moore, the strikes targeted terrorist groups responsible for sustained attacks on civilians, particularly Christians in northern Nigeria.
Speaking via his X account, Moore said the intervention sent a clear signal to extremist groups. He added that the operation offered renewed hope to communities affected by years of violence.
Trump’s Announcement
Earlier, President Trump announced the airstrikes on Thursday night through Truth Social. He said US forces targeted ISIS fighters operating in northwest Nigeria, accusing them of killing innocent civilians.
However, Trump did not initially disclose the precise locations of the operation. That clarification came later through military and Nigerian authorities.
AFRICOM and Nigerian Government Response
Subsequently, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the strikes occurred in Sokoto State. At the same time, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the operation, stressing continued cooperation with international partners against terrorism.
Furthermore, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the strikes hit terrorist staging grounds in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area. According to the government, intelligence showed the locations served as entry routes for foreign ISIS fighters from the Sahel region.
Operation Details
The Federal Government said the strikes took place between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on December 26. US forces deployed 16 GPS-guided munitions from MQ-9 Reaper drones launched from maritime locations in the Gulf of Guinea.
Moreover, although debris fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, authorities reported no civilian casualties.
Context and Security Cooperation
Nigeria’s power struggle with terrorism has drawn increasing international support in recent years. Yet, officials insist that all operations prioritise civilian safety and national sovereignty.
In conclusion, both US and Nigerian authorities say sustained cooperation remains critical to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring long-term security.
