By Our Correspondent
Abuja, December 26, 2025
The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigerian security forces, in coordination with the United States, carried out precision strike operations against two Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State.
According to official sources, the strikes targeted locations within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, identified by intelligence agencies as assembly and staging grounds for foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region in collaboration with local affiliates.
The operation, which took place between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and executed under established command and control structures involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, reportedly supervised the exercise.
Security officials disclosed that the strikes were launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea after extensive intelligence gathering, planning, and reconnaissance. A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, resulting in the neutralisation of the targeted ISIS elements.
During the operation, debris from expended munitions reportedly fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as well as in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises. Authorities said no civilian casualties were recorded, and the affected areas were promptly secured.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to confronting and dismantling terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and security. It also affirmed continued cooperation with strategic partners to enhance border security and regional stability.
The government assured Nigerians that the national security architecture remains firmly under control and urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant as operations against terrorist groups continue.
The confirmation was issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Friday.
