U. S. Strikes: Terror camps targeted were staging grounds for attacks on Nigeria, says FG
The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that joint precision strike operations carried out with the United States military successfully targeted and neutralised Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State.
In a statement on Friday, the government said the operation was conducted against two major ISIS locations within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, following credible intelligence that the sites were being used by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region.
According to the statement, the terrorist enclaves served as assembly and staging grounds where foreign fighters, working with local affiliates, planned large-scale attacks within Nigerian territory.
The precision strikes were executed between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, after receiving explicit approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.
The government disclosed that the strikes were launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea after extensive intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and operational planning. A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, leading to the successful neutralisation of the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria through the Sahel corridor.
During the operation, debris from expended munitions reportedly fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises. The Federal Government, however, confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded in either location and that security agencies promptly secured the affected areas.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Federal Government said it remains resolute in confronting, degrading and eliminating terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The statement added that Nigeria continues to work closely with strategic partners and allies to ensure coordinated actions aimed at achieving lasting peace, strengthening border security and promoting regional stability.
The government assured Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the country’s security architecture and fully committed to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to remain calm and vigilant as operations against terrorist groups continue.
The statement was signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
