The United States has carried out targeted military strikes against militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) group in northwestern Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in counterterrorism efforts in a region where extremist factions are attempting to expand their influence.

According to the US military, the strikes targeted militant camps operating in Nigeria’s Sokoto state, close to the border with Niger. The area has recently emerged as a strategic corridor for extremist groups seeking to establish new footholds amid instability in the wider Sahel region.

While casualty figures remain unclear, officials from both the United States and Nigeria confirmed that multiple militants were killed in the operation. No civilian casualties have been reported so far.

Security analysts say Islamic State-affiliated groups have increasingly shifted focus toward northwestern Nigeria, exploiting porous borders, difficult terrain, and gaps in local security. The region has seen a surge in militant activity, including attacks on security forces and attempts to set up training and logistics bases.

US officials said the strikes were conducted following intelligence assessments indicating an imminent threat posed by the militant camps, and were aimed at degrading the group’s operational capability.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, reflecting growing cooperation between Washington and Abuja in counterterrorism operations. Nigerian security officials acknowledged the strikes and said they would continue efforts to dismantle extremist networks operating within the country.

“The action underscores our commitment to preventing terrorist groups from gaining safe havens,” a US defence official said, adding that further measures could follow if threats persist.

The strikes come amid broader concerns over the spread of jihadist violence across West Africa, where Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked groups have expanded operations in recent years, particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Analysts warn that without sustained regional cooperation and development-focused interventions, militant groups may continue to exploit ungoverned spaces and cross-border vulnerabilities.

As investigations into the aftermath of the strikes continue, officials on both sides said they remain focused on preventing extremist groups from consolidating control in northwestern Nigeria and destabilising the region further.