A Nigerian lawyer has triggered intense debate and widespread reactions on social media after explaining why he believes U.S. President Donald Trump selected Sokoto State as the first location for reported airstrikes against ISIS terrorists operating in Nigeria.
The lawyer’s comments quickly went viral, drawing attention from Nigerians at home and abroad, especially following an earlier report by GistReel that the alleged U.S. military operation targeted terrorists in northern Nigeria.
Lawyer Says Strike Was Strategic, Not Random
According to the lawyer, the airstrike was not a spontaneous or politically motivated decision but a carefully planned military action driven by intelligence and long-term security assessments.
He explained that such operations typically involve months of surveillance, threat evaluation, and diplomatic engagement before execution.
The lawyer, identified on Facebook as Law Parlour, claimed that the United States military confirmed the strike was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian government, with both countries working closely on intelligence gathering, logistics, and security coordination.
He added that this level of cooperation suggests the operation was part of a broader counterterrorism strategy rather than an isolated incident.
Sokoto’s Location Played a Big Role
The lawyer further explained that Sokoto’s geographical position made it a critical focus point for the operation.
He stated that the state lies close to major international movement corridors allegedly used by extremist networks, particularly those linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP).
Due to its proximity to Niger and other Sahel countries, Sokoto is believed to serve as a transit route and logistical base for militants moving across borders to plan and execute attacks.
He argued that targeting such a location sends a strong warning to extremist groups attempting to expand their operations beyond traditional hotspots in northeastern Nigeria.
He wrote; “On Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, the United States military carried out airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Northwest Nigeria, specifically Sokoto State, a region that sits near Nigeria’s border with Niger and has experienced increasing extremist activities in recent times. The operation was officially announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the strikes as ‘powerful and deadly.’”
“According to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the strikes reportedly killed ‘multiple ISIS terrorists’ and were conducted at the request and with the cooperation of the Nigerian government. Nigerian authorities also confirmed that the operation formed part of ongoing bilateral security efforts, including intelligence sharing, operational planning, and counterterrorism coordination.”
“Some may ask, why Sokoto? This is the reason;”
“Sokoto State sits close to international corridors frequently exploited by extremist networks affiliated with the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP).”
“Its proximity to Niger and other Sahel regions makes it a transit and operational hub for militants spreading from the Lake Chad Basin and wider Sahel area into northwest Nigeria.”
“The strike also sends a clear signal that extremist threats in Nigeria are not limited to the northeast alone but can extend into northwest regions if left unchecked.”
“This operation did not happen suddenly. It followed weeks of public warnings by President Trump. Between late October and November 2025, Trump repeatedly posted on his social media platform that the United States was closely monitoring Nigeria’s security situation, especially amid reports of rising violence against civilians.”
“Trump claimed that Christian communities in Nigeria were being ‘viciously killed … at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.’ He warned that continued killings could result in U.S. intervention, including military action or cuts to foreign aid.”
“Finally, the United States has fulfilled its promises. It’s beautiful.”
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