Members of the United States Congress have asked the Pentagon to provide a full account of the American airstrikes carried out in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, along with details of the broader US military role in the country.
US President Donald Trump had announced on that date that American forces launched attacks targeting militants linked to the Islamic State in Nigeria’s North-West.
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Nigeria’s Federal Government later confirmed that the operation, which took place in Sokoto State, was approved and did not breach the nation’s sovereignty.
In a letter dated March 9, 2026, and addressed to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, lawmakers led by Representative Sara Jacobs and Congressman Jason Crow called for clarity on the strikes. Copies of the letter were also sent to US Africa Command head Dagvin Anderson and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The lawmakers requested detailed information on the Sokoto operation, including its legal justification, collaboration with Nigerian authorities, intelligence coordination, and reports of possible civilian casualties and operational lapses.
They referenced statements from the US government describing the strikes as “multiple flawless” attacks against ISIS militants accused of killing innocent civilians, particularly Christians.
However, the lawmakers challenged these claims, noting that experts in Nigeria and abroad say there is no verified evidence of an active ISIS presence in Sokoto State.
The letter also pointed to reports suggesting that several missiles failed to hit their intended targets, with some allegedly landing in farmlands and residential areas.
There were also concerns about unexploded ordnance discovered in civilian locations unrelated to militant activity.
Additionally, the lawmakers cited reports that about 200 US troops were being deployed to Nigeria to train local forces, complementing an existing American presence focused on intelligence and operational support.
The inquiry included 11 questions directed at the Department of Defence. Among them were requests for the number of strikes conducted since December 25, 2025, details of intended targets, and casualty assessments.
They also asked about the level of coordination with Nigerian authorities before, during, and after the operations, including decisions on targeting and public communication.
A major issue raised was the legal basis for the strikes. The lawmakers questioned under what authority the operations were carried out and why Congress was not notified in line with the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
Further queries focused on reports of missile malfunctions, including claims that at least four Tomahawk missiles missed their targets near Tambuwal and Ofa in Kwara State. The lawmakers asked whether these incidents were due to technical faults, targeting errors, or other factors.
Concerns about civilian impact were also highlighted, with requests for details on any casualties or injuries, particularly in areas around Jabo and Ofa, and how US Africa Command has engaged affected communities.
The committee also sought a breakdown of the financial cost of the operation, covering weapons used, personnel, surveillance efforts, and intelligence support.
Lawmakers further asked about the effectiveness of the strikes, their implications for regional security, and the broader US approach to tackling armed groups in Nigeria.
They also requested clarification on the reported troop deployment, including its purpose and why it may not have triggered notification requirements under the War Powers Resolution.
Finally, they asked about future US military plans in Nigeria, including the likelihood of additional strikes or continued support for local operations.
The Pentagon was asked to respond by March 20, 2026, but it remains unclear whether any official reply has been issued.
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