US Airstrike in Nigeria Still Lacks Clarity – Daniel Bwala

The Special Adviser on Public Communications to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has described the recent United States airstrikes on ISIS-linked terrorists in Sokoto State as “sketchy,” saying key details are still unknown.

Speaking in an interview with Sky News, Bwala acknowledged that the United States has global jurisdiction to conduct operations against ISIS and its affiliates. However, he noted that it remains uncertain whether the US Congress has specifically authorized military action against terrorist groups designated in Nigeria.

“I am sure the American government has jurisdictional power over operations against ISIS and its affiliates around the world. However, they may not have specific Congressional authorization to fight terrorist organizations designated in Nigeria,” Bwala said.

ISIS, also known as ISIL, is a violent extremist organization responsible for numerous attacks across the world, including parts of Africa. Nigeria has battled terrorism since 2009, initially driven largely by Boko Haram. In recent years, new groups such as ISWAP, Ansaru, Lakurawa, and others have emerged, some with reported links to ISIS.

These groups have continued to target communities, including Christian populations and places of worship. In October, reports alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria resurfaced, prompting the United States to redesignate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.” Former US President Donald Trump had previously expressed concern about the threat to Christianity in Nigeria and warned of possible US intervention.

On Thursday, the United States launched airstrikes targeting ISIS-linked militants in Nigeria. However, as of press time, no official figures have been released regarding casualties or arrests.

Commenting further, Bwala said more clarity is expected soon.

“Boko Haram has been designated a terrorist organization, and we consider all such groups as threats against the Nigerian state. I believe that is the understanding the American government operated with. But for now, the situation remains sketchy. In the coming days or hours, we expect more intelligence and clearer reports on who exactly was targeted, whether ISIS members, Boko Haram fighters, or bandits. Either way, they are all terrorists,” he said.