People drive in and out of Jabo, Nigeria, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025
Nigeria is currently grappling with a complex web of challenges in the wake of recent US airstrikes targeting Islamic State-linked militants in its northwest. This unprecedented military intervention has sparked a whirlwind of reactions across the nation, revealing a deep divide in public sentiment. For many Nigerians, who are enduring persistent security threats, the strikes represent a glimmer of hope. However, alongside this optimism lies a healthy skepticism regarding the efficacy and implications of foreign military involvement.
In the weeks leading up to the strikes, the US government publicly criticized Nigeria’s inability to effectively protect Christians from repeated attacks. This backdrop contributed to a mixed reception of the airstrikes. For some, these actions are a much-needed boost in the fight against insecurity, while others are questioning both the intentions behind such intervention and its potential long-term outcomes.
Bulama Bukarti, a prominent human rights lawyer and conflict analyst, emphasizes the stakes at play for ordinary Nigerians. “For the ordinary Nigerians, this is a matter of life and death,” he states, highlighting the dire security situation that has plagued the country for over a decade. Bukarti argues that while any new efforts to combat insecurity are likely to be welcomed, they must be grounded in intelligence, precision, and effectiveness to make a meaningful difference.
Furthermore, the approval of American airstrikes marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s historical stance against direct foreign military action on its soil. This transition points to a growing urgency in addressing the country’s multifaceted security crisis, which includes a myriad of armed groups. Analysts, however, caution that expectations for a quick resolution may be illusory. “People expect magic once the US steps in,” remarks Miriam Adah, assistant research manager for Africa at ACLED. She highlights the misconception that rapid U.S. military action can resolve deep-rooted issues that are far more complex than they appear.
The security landscape in Nigeria includes a range of actors, such as the Islamic State West Africa Province and the lesser-known Lakurawa group, both of which are exploiting vulnerabilities in the northwest. With such a spectrum of violent groups, the strategies to combat them cannot be one-dimensional. Each faction poses distinct challenges that require tailored responses—an oversight that could undermine the effectiveness of any airstrike efforts.
Despite this, there’s a prevailing hope among the populace that the airstrikes could bring some short-term relief. However, experts assert that these interventions likely won’t bring an end to the cycle of violence. The challenges are embedded deeply within the social and economic fabric of the country and cannot be addressed solely through military means.
In light of these developments, it’s essential to continue monitoring the implications of US involvement, not just for immediate outcomes but also for the broader geopolitical context in which Nigeria operates. As the nation navigates these treacherous waters, its citizens stand at the crossroads, weighing the potential benefits of alliance with foreign powers against the risks of dependency and the complexities of their own national struggle.