Former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly condemned the recent United States military airstrikes on suspected Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in northwest Nigeria, describing the action as reckless, imperialist, and a serious threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Reacting to the development, Sowore warned Nigerians against celebrating the operation, insisting that foreign military intervention on Nigerian soil carries grave consequences.
“Nobody should be rejoicing about this. This is an imperialist move on the part of Trump,” Sowore said.
While acknowledging that Nigeria could receive international assistance in combating terrorism, Sowore stressed that direct military action by foreign forces within the country was unacceptable.
“The U.S. could help the Nigerian military, but the U.S. military carrying out attacks inside Nigeria is extremely dangerous, reckless and bad,” he added.
Sowore further described the incident as “a sad day for the so-called African liberation and independence,” warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s autonomy and set a troubling precedent for foreign intervention in Africa.
His comments followed confirmation by United States President Donald Trump that American forces had carried out a military strike against ISIS fighters operating in northwest Nigeria.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday evening, Trump announced:
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria.”
Trump claimed the targeted fighters had been responsible for the killing of innocent civilians, particularly Christians, asserting that the violence had reached unprecedented levels.
“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he said.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the operation, stating in a post on X that the airstrike was carried out “at the request of Nigerian authorities” and resulted in the deaths of multiple ISIS fighters.
In a related statement, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s cooperation, writing:
“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,”
He also hinted that further military actions could follow, though no additional details were provided.
AFRICOM later clarified that the strike occurred in “Soboto state,” an apparent reference to Sokoto State in northwest Nigeria.
The airstrike comes weeks after President Trump disclosed that he had directed the Pentagon to begin planning potential military action in Nigeria, citing concerns over alleged persecution of Christians.
Meanwhile, residents of Jabo village in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State were reportedly thrown into panic on Christmas night following a loud explosion that rocked the community.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred suddenly when an object believed to be explosive fell into the village, triggering fear among residents who initially thought they were under attack.
Confirming the incident, a resident said:
“It happened suddenly in the night. The explosion caused fear, but thank God it did not land among people.”
The incident has further heightened tensions and raised concerns over the implications of foreign military operations within Nigeria’s borders.
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