Christmas Strikes in Sokoto
Humanitarian Rescue or the New “Scramble for Africa”?
The peaceful silence of Christmas Day 2025 was shattered in Northwest Nigeria, not by celebration, but by the roar of American Tomahawk missiles. In a move that has sent shockwaves from Abuja to Washington, the U.S. launched targeted airstrikes against ISIS-affiliated militants in Sokoto State.
While the smoke clears over the Sahelian scrubland, a fire is starting online. Was this a noble defense of religious freedom, or a strategic chess move to secure the world’s most valuable minerals?
The White House View: “Terrorist Scum”
President Trump framed the operation as a direct response to the “vicious killing” of innocent Christians. By redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, the administration signaled it will no longer sit on the sidelines.
- Direct Action: Moving from “advising” to active engagement.
- The “Hegseth Hint”: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted there is “more to come.”
- Joint Intel: Coordination with the Nigerian government to pinpoint the Lakurawa group.
The “Resource Grab” Theory
Critics point to a different map. Sokoto sits on the doorstep of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a region rich in gold, lithium, and uranium. With Niger supplying nearly 35% of the world’s uranium, the timing of a U.S. “return” to the region is under heavy scrutiny.
“The goal is the Sahel states… This isn’t about religion; it’s about the resources the West can’t live without.” — Common sentiment across West African social media.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Christmas strikes mark a pivot point in U.S.-Africa relations. Whether this is a successful counterterrorism operation or a neo-colonial resource grab will depend on what follows: infrastructure and aid, or mining contracts and more bombs?
What’s your take? Humanitarian aid or “Oil 2.0”?
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