The United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State-linked militant targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, with Washington and Abuja saying the operation was coordinated and based on intelligence shared by Nigerian authorities.
Joint Counterterrorism Cooperation: Nigerian leaders framed the strikes as part of broader cooperation against extremist groups, not unilateral U.S. action — indicating willingness to support future joint operations.
Shared Security Concerns: Nigeria faces multiple armed threats, including Islamic State affiliates and regional jihadist networks, making foreign intelligence and precision strikes potentially useful to Abuja.