Two weeks after the United States conducted airstrikes in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day 2025, uncertainty persists regarding the precise targets and the overall consequences of the operation. The strikes, carried out in Sokoto state, were described by the U.S. as targeting Islamic State fighters.

The operation, coordinated with the Nigerian government, focused on an Islamist group identified as Lakurawa, according to sources familiar with the matter. This group is known for extorting the predominantly Muslim local population and imposing a rigid interpretation of Sharia law, which includes punishments such as lashing for activities like listening to music.

Former President Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform following the strikes, stated that "ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians were hit with numerous perfect strikes."

However, both the U.S. and Nigerian governments have released limited information regarding the specific intelligence used to justify the strikes, the extent of Nigerian involvement in the targeting process, and the assessment of civilian casualties. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation and raised questions about the true nature of the operation and its impact on the ground.

The use of AI in intelligence gathering and target identification is increasingly prevalent in modern military operations. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including satellite imagery, social media posts, and communications intercepts, to identify potential targets and predict enemy behavior. However, the reliance on AI also raises ethical concerns about bias in algorithms and the potential for errors that could lead to civilian casualties.

"AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a specialist in AI ethics at the Institute for the Future. "If the data reflects existing biases, the AI will amplify those biases, potentially leading to discriminatory outcomes."

The situation in northwest Nigeria is complex, with multiple armed groups operating in the region, including bandits, criminal gangs, and Islamist militants. The lack of clarity surrounding the U.S. airstrikes has made it difficult to assess the true impact on the security situation and the local population.

Human rights organizations have called for greater transparency and accountability regarding the airstrikes. Amnesty International, in a statement released last week, urged both the U.S. and Nigerian governments to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the operation and to provide reparations to any victims of unlawful attacks.

"It is essential that all parties involved in military operations take steps to minimize civilian harm and to ensure that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law are held accountable," said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

As of now, neither the U.S. nor Nigeria has announced any plans for a formal investigation into the airstrikes. The lack of information continues to fuel speculation and raises concerns about the long-term consequences of the operation for the region's stability. The incident underscores the growing need for clear ethical guidelines and oversight mechanisms for the use of AI in military operations, particularly in complex and volatile environments.