AFRICOM Confirms Kinetic Strikes Against ISIS in Nigeria’s Northeast Region

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with Nigerian security forces, has confirmed that it carried out kinetic airstrikes targeting fighters linked to the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in northeastern Nigeria on May 17.

According to initial security updates, the operation was conducted as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at disrupting insurgent activity in the Lake Chad Basin region, where ISWAP and other extremist groups have maintained a presence for years.

Officials stated that no U.S. or Nigerian troops were harmed during the operation. The strikes reportedly targeted suspected militant positions and movement routes used by the group.

Military sources indicate that the mission was executed with close coordination between both countries’ defense structures, reflecting continued security cooperation in tackling insurgency threats in West Africa.

As of now, there are no confirmed civilian casualty reports, and authorities have not released further operational details. Assessments are ongoing, and both governments are expected to provide additional updates as intelligence reviews continue.

The operation adds to a series of joint efforts between the United States Africa Command and Nigeria aimed at weakening insurgent networks operating in the country’s northeast.