Attacks surge across Northern Nigeria following U.S. air strikes

Armed groups have stepped up attacks across northern Nigeria after the United States carried out air strikes targeting Islamic State-linked militants in Sokoto State.

A review of security incidents by The Punch shows that between December 25, 2025, and January 2, 2026, at least 47 people were killed and 35 others abducted in attacks by bandits and fighters linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The violence affected communities in Adamawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Yobe, Kano, and Kebbi states.

The escalation followed U.S. air strikes announced by former President Donald Trump on Christmas Day, aimed at militants in north-western Nigeria.

Trump warned that further action would be taken if attacks on Christians continued.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters later confirmed the operation, stating that intelligence had identified terrorist elements in the area, with damage assessments ongoing.

Despite the strikes, violence has intensified in several states.

In Adamawa, Boko Haram fighters reportedly killed 14 people in nighttime attacks on Mubang and Zar villages near the Sambisa forest.

Plateau State saw at least seven farmers killed in Jos South, while in Zamfara, 16 women were abducted and two people killed in Sabon-Layi village.

Coordinated assaults in Kebbi State left at least eight dead, and in Kwara, traditional ruler Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun and one of his sons were abducted in Ifelodun local government area.

ISWAP claimed responsibility for a mortar attack on a Nigerian military base in Goniri, Yobe State, though damage reports remain unclear.

In Kano State, bandits attacked multiple villages in Shanono local government area, engaging troops in a prolonged gun battle; the military said the attackers were repelled with no civilian casualties.

Community sources also report militant displacement following the U.S. strikes, with fighters moving toward parts of Niger and Kaduna states.

By contrast, Sokoto State has seen no attacks since the air strikes, with residents crediting the lull to the disruption of militant hideouts.