Nigeria's military is set to take a more direct role in combat operations against armed groups, supported by critical intelligence gathered from United States reconnaissance flights. A senior government official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the agreement, confirmed this strategic shift to AFP on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
From Direct Strikes to Intelligence Support
This new arrangement follows US airstrikes on Christmas Day in Nigeria's northwest Sokoto State, which targeted sites associated with the Islamic State group. While Nigeria remains open to potential future American strikes, the official clarified that Washington's primary function will now be providing intelligence. "Though Nigeria remains open to further American strikes, the Americans’ primary role will now be providing intel," the source stated.
The Christmas Day operation marked a significant moment after months of diplomatic discussions between Abuja and Washington. These talks were necessary following comments by former US President Donald Trump in October, who described violence in Nigeria as "persecution" and "genocide" of Christians—claims strongly rejected by Nigerian authorities and independent analysts. By December, the Nigerian government reported the dispute had been resolved, leading to a strengthened bilateral partnership.
Details of the Joint Operation and Ongoing Surveillance
Although described as a joint effort, US officials did not initially inform their Nigerian counterparts of the precise details of the Christmas Day mission. Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala identified the targets as Islamic State militants, the Lakurawa jihadist faction, and armed bandit gangs. Both nations confirmed an unspecified number of militants were killed.
Analysts had noted a ramp-up in US aerial surveillance over Nigerian territory in the weeks preceding the strikes. According to the source, these US reconnaissance flights have continued uninterrupted since the operation. While a New York Times report, citing Pentagon officials, labeled the Christmas strikes a "one-time event," Nigeria insists the intelligence-sharing component of the partnership remains active and ongoing.
A Complex Security Landscape and Civilian Risks
The security challenges facing Nigeria are multifaceted. The country has been battling a jihadist insurgency in the northeast since 2009, while so-called bandit gangs have proliferated across the northwest and north-central regions. The Lakurawa group in Sokoto has been linked by some researchers to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) operating in neighbouring Niger, though these connections are debated among analysts.
The risks to civilians were starkly illustrated when munitions debris from the December strikes injured three hotel staff in Offa, Kwara State. This incident underscores the potential dangers faced by non-combatants in conflict zones.
The anonymous official emphasized that under the renewed framework, Nigerian forces will command and execute their own military missions. US intelligence will serve in a support capacity, aimed at enhancing the accuracy of targets and the overall effectiveness of operations against armed groups threatening the nation's stability.
