The Federal Government has given detailed insight into how Nigerian security forces, working closely with the United States, carried out successful precision airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State. The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, December 26, was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to prevent fresh terror attacks on Nigerian soil.
According to the government, the coordinated strikes were executed between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., using advanced MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles. A total of 16 GPS-guided munitions were deployed, effectively neutralising ISIS elements who were attempting to infiltrate Nigeria through the Sahel corridor.
While debris from the expended munitions reportedly fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State near a hotel, authorities assured Nigerians that no civilian casualties were recorded. Security agencies, the government said, immediately moved in to secure the affected locations.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that the strikes specifically targeted two major ISIS camps located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area. Intelligence reports had revealed that the camps were being used by foreign ISIS fighters entering Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan large-scale attacks.
Reacting to the development, the Sokoto State Government welcomed the joint military action, describing it as a significant boost to security efforts in the state. Despite initial anxiety in Bargini and surrounding communities, the government stressed that there were no civilian deaths or injuries and urged residents to remain calm and rely only on verified information from security agencies.
In a statement by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, the state government noted that preliminary reports confirmed the precision nature of the strikes. He added that over the past two years, the Sokoto State Government has consistently supported security agencies with equipment and operational assistance to strengthen surveillance, response capacity, and community safety.
The Federal Government further explained that the strikes were carried out under established command and control structures, with full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and supervision by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff. The operation was launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea after extensive intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.
Reaffirming its resolve, the government said it remains committed to confronting and dismantling terrorist networks, particularly transnational groups seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. Nigerians were urged to remain calm and vigilant as security operations against terrorism and banditry continue across the country.
