US military airstrikes were launched from maritime platforms stationed in the Gulf of Guinea a
Federal Government has confirmed that the United States, in collaboration with Nigerian security forces, carried out precision airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist camps in Sokoto State, deploying 16 GPS-guided munitions during the operation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, explaining that the strikes were executed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms as part of a coordinated Nigeria–US counterterrorism mission.
According to Idris, the operation took place in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., following authorisation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that debris from the expended munitions landed in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as well as in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel facility. However, he stressed that “No civilian casualties” were recorded in either location, adding that security agencies swiftly cordoned off and secured the affected areas.
The minister’s update followed comments earlier on Friday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who confirmed that President Tinubu approved the joint strikes against terrorist elements operating in Nigeria’s North-West.
In his statement, Idris said the operation “successfully” neutralised ISIS elements attempting to infiltrate Nigeria through the Sahel corridor.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria @NigeriaGov, in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State,” the statement read.
It added that intelligence reports had identified the locations as key assembly and staging points for foreign ISIS fighters entering Nigeria from the Sahel in collaboration with local affiliates to plan large-scale attacks.
“Intelligence confirmed that these locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within Nigerian territory,” the statement said.
Idris explained that the strikes were launched from maritime platforms stationed in the Gulf of Guinea after extensive intelligence gathering, planning, and reconnaissance.
“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 Honourable Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Idris said Nigeria remains resolute in tackling terrorism and transnational extremist threats.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reiterates its unwavering resolve to confront, degrade, and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and security,” the statement said.
It added that Nigeria remains aligned with its international partners in pursuing coordinated actions to ensure peace, border security, and regional stability, while assuring citizens that the government remains firmly in control of the nation’s security framework.
“Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all terrorist groups threatening the nation.”
