U.S. Lawmaker hints at More Strikes in Nigeria after Christmas Operation

U.S. Representative Riley Moore has indicated that recent American military strikes against Islamic State-affiliated militants in Nigeria could be the first of several. The strikes, conducted on Christmas Day in coordination with Nigerian authorities, targeted camps in the country’s northwest.

In a televised interview, Moore stated the action was intended to “degrade the operational capacity” of groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces. He framed the move as part of a broader effort to enhance security and protect communities, including Christian populations that have faced repeated violence during past holiday periods.

Both U.S. and Nigerian officials confirmed the operation was carried out with Nigerian intelligence support and government consent, underscoring it as part of ongoing bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. Nigerian authorities described the targeted groups as a national security threat involved in killings, kidnappings, and raids.

While Moore emphasized the U.S. focus on preempting militant violence, Nigerian officials reiterated that their operations target armed groups threatening all civilians, regardless of religion.