US Navy Tomahawk Strike in Nigeria
The United States Navy launched a precision Tomahawk cruise missile strike against Islamic State positions in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025, from an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, US Africa Command said. This operation marks a notable use of sea-launched strike capabilities in West Africa and was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government.
The attack targeted militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province, an extremist group responsible for attacks on civilians, including religious communities in the region, US officials said. According to the Pentagon and the White House, multiple militant fighters were killed, though exact numbers and damage assessments have not been released.
Video released by the Department of War shows a missile launch from a Navy surface combatant operating offshore. Defense analysts say the visual profile is consistent with the long-range BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile fired from a Mk 41 Vertical Launching System aboard an Arleigh Burke destroyer. The US military has not publicly confirmed the specific vessel or weapon type used.
Coordination With Nigerian Authorities
US Africa Command said the operation was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities and under presidential direction. The coordinated nature of the strike reflects a partnership approach rather than unilateral action by US forces in the region.
Arleigh Burke Destroyers and Tomahawk Capability
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers serve as the backbone of the US Navy’s surface combat fleet. Equipped with the Aegis Combat System and up to 96 Mk 41 VLS cells, these ships can launch a variety of munitions, including Standard Missiles for air defense and Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range land attack missions.
The Tomahawk is a subsonic, long-range cruise missile capable of striking fixed targets with high precision at ranges beyond 1,000 miles. It uses GPS, inertial guidance, and terrain contour matching for navigation and has been a key naval strike weapon since the 1991 Gulf War.
Strategic Implications
Using a maritime launch platform for strikes inland gives the US military flexibility to engage distant targets without relying on regional airfields. This approach reduces diplomatic friction and limits the need for a ground presence in politically sensitive areas.
The December 25 strike could signal a broader shift in how US forces support counterterrorism operations in West Africa, complementing existing drone and land-based air missions.
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