U.S. airstrikes targeting alleged ISIL (ISIS) positions in northwest Nigeria are unlikely to improve the country's security situation and could exacerbate the existing crisis, according to Femi Owolade, a legal historian and Research Associate at Sheffield Hallam University. The strikes, which occurred recently, were presented by the Trump administration as a decisive counter-terrorism measure and a fulfillment of President Trump's promise to address what he described as a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Owolade argues that the bombing campaigns lack strategic logic and risk misrepresenting the underlying causes of the conflict. He suggests that the strikes distract from the deeper structural issues fueling the violence in the region. "Bombing campaigns of this nature are unlikely to improve Nigeria’s security or help stabilise the conflict-racked country," Owolade stated in an article published on December 27, 2025. "On the contrary, the strikes risk misrepresenting the conflict and distracting from the deeper structural crisis that is driving violence."

The strikes come amid a complex security landscape in Nigeria, where various armed groups, including factions linked to ISIL and Boko Haram, operate alongside criminal gangs involved in banditry and kidnapping. The northwest region has been particularly affected by escalating violence in recent years, leading to displacement and humanitarian concerns.

Critics of the U.S. intervention argue that a military-focused approach overlooks the socio-economic factors contributing to the conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and opportunities. They contend that addressing these root causes is crucial for achieving long-term stability. Furthermore, there are concerns that the airstrikes could lead to civilian casualties and further alienate local communities, potentially fueling resentment and recruitment into armed groups.

The Nigerian government has yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the U.S. airstrikes. However, some analysts suggest that the government may be wary of publicly criticizing the intervention, given its dependence on U.S. security assistance. The long-term impact of the strikes on Nigeria's security situation remains uncertain, but experts warn that a more holistic approach, encompassing political, economic, and social dimensions, is needed to address the country's complex challenges.