US Military Strikes Nigeria with Cruise Missiles: A Deep Dive into a Controversial Operation
Jabo, Nigeria – December 26, 2025 – In a stunning development, the United States military launched a series of cruise missile strikes in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, reportedly targeting Islamic State (IS) fighters. The operation, confirmed by the White House and Nigerian officials as a joint counterterrorism mission, has ignited a firestorm of debate and raises critical questions about US involvement in the Sahel region and the true motivations behind the attack. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is committed to bringing you the latest updates as they unfold. This breaking news event demands immediate attention and careful analysis.
A US Navy ship launches a Tomahawk cruise missile during the operation in Nigeria. (AP Photo/Tunde Omolehin)
What Happened? The Details of the Strikes
According to reports from the New York Times and Pentagon officials, more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from at least one US Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea, striking two IS bases in Sokoto state, Nigeria. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed “air strikes” resulting in the deaths of “several IS terrorists.” President Trump publicly celebrated the operation, calling it “numerous and deadly” and promising further action against terrorists targeting Christians in the region. The strikes were reportedly carried out at the request of the Nigerian government.
Beyond Counterterrorism: The Geopolitical Context
While officially framed as a counterterrorism operation, the timing and rhetoric surrounding the strikes suggest a more complex geopolitical agenda. Nigeria holds significant strategic importance for the United States, boasting Africa’s largest oil reserves and a crucial position in the intensifying power struggle between the US, China, and other global powers for influence on the continent. With approximately 30% of the world’s critical mineral deposits located in Africa, including rare earths, control over resources and strategic partnerships are paramount. The recent expulsions of French and US troops from neighboring Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, coupled with their growing ties to Russia, have further heightened tensions and prompted Washington to rely more heavily on Nigeria to safeguard its interests in West Africa.
The “Christian Genocide” Narrative: Fact vs. Fiction
President Trump has repeatedly claimed an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria, framing the attacks as a response to a supposed “genocide.” However, data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) directly contradicts this narrative. ACLED’s research shows that Islamist and other armed groups have attacked both churches and mosques, and killed both Christians and Muslims, indicating that the violence is rooted in a broader social crisis fueled by decades of imperialist exploitation, state corruption, and militarization. The claim, amplified by figures like Bill Maher and Ted Cruz, appears to be a deliberate attempt to justify increased US military intervention and rally support among Trump’s evangelical base.
Tomahawk Missiles: A Weapon of Choice and its Implications
The use of Tomahawk cruise missiles – GPS-guided, long-range weapons capable of striking targets with high precision – underscores the scale and seriousness of the operation. These Block IV/V Tactical Tomahawks, as described by US government officials, are designed for deep inland strikes against stationary targets. Their deployment in Nigeria signals a willingness to employ significant military force in the region, potentially escalating the conflict and destabilizing the already fragile security situation. The Pentagon released a video showcasing the launch of at least one missile, demonstrating a clear message of US resolve.
Nigeria’s Internal Struggles: A Breeding Ground for Instability
The strikes occurred against a backdrop of growing social unrest in Nigeria. Throughout 2025, the country was rocked by strikes and mass protests, with hundreds of thousands of workers demonstrating against the austerity measures imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including cuts to fuel subsidies and rising food prices. Nationwide oil workers’ strikes and health workers’ protests paralyzed key sectors of the economy, highlighting the deep-seated economic grievances fueling instability. Nigeria’s reliance on foreign military assistance, as evidenced by the government’s insistence on the “joint” nature of the operation, further underscores its vulnerability and dependence on external powers.
This operation in Nigeria isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a stark reminder of America’s continuous engagement in global conflicts since the first Gulf War in 1990. Understanding the historical context of US imperialism is crucial to interpreting these events. The pursuit of strategic and economic interests, often cloaked in the language of “human rights” and “counterterrorism,” remains a defining characteristic of US foreign policy.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuous coverage of this developing story, including in-depth analysis, expert commentary, and on-the-ground reporting. We are dedicated to providing you with the information you need to understand the complex geopolitical landscape and its impact on the world.