US Strikes Target ISIS, Lakurawa, Bandits in Nigeria: Official

• US strikes in Nigeria this week targeted Islamic State (ISIS) militants, the Lakurawa jihadist group, and "bandit" gangs.
• ISIS militants from the Sahel reportedly entered Nigeria to assist Lakurawa and bandits with supplies and training.
• The strikes occurred in Sokoto state, northwest Nigeria, a region typically associated with "bandit" activity rather than the main jihadist insurgency in the northeast.
• The operation followed a diplomatic spat where former US President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of "persecution" against Christians, a claim Nigeria rejects.
• Nigerian officials confirmed it was a joint operation, emphasizing it was not religiously motivated.

Why It Matters: US strikes in Nigeria targeted ISIS, Lakurawa, and bandits, highlighting growing regional terror links.