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

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

Following the strikes, former President Donald Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that "ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians were hit with numerous perfect strikes." This statement, however, has not been officially corroborated by either the U.S. or Nigerian governments, adding to the ambiguity surrounding the operation.

Neither the U.S. nor Nigeria has released substantial information regarding the intelligence used to identify the targets, the number of casualties, or the extent of the damage inflicted. This lack of transparency raises questions about the justification for the strikes and their potential impact on the local population.

The use of AI in military operations, including target identification and strike coordination, is a rapidly evolving field. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including satellite imagery, social media activity, and communications intercepts, to identify potential threats and predict enemy movements. However, the reliance on AI also raises concerns about bias, accuracy, and accountability. If the data used to train the AI is biased, it can lead to discriminatory targeting. Furthermore, the lack of human oversight in AI-driven operations can increase the risk of unintended consequences and civilian casualties.

The situation highlights the growing importance of explainable AI (XAI) in military applications. XAI aims to make the decision-making processes of AI algorithms more transparent and understandable to human operators. This would allow for better oversight and accountability, and help to ensure that AI is used responsibly in warfare.

The lack of information surrounding the Nigerian airstrikes also underscores the challenges of verifying information in conflict zones. With limited access for journalists and independent observers, it can be difficult to determine the true impact of military operations and hold those responsible accountable.

The U.S. government has not commented beyond initial statements confirming the strikes. The Nigerian government has acknowledged the operation but has not provided further details. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as investigations into the strikes continue.