The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that precision airstrikes were successfully carried out against two Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, in coordination with the Government of the United States of America.
According to a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, the airstrikes targeted terrorist locations within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area.
Idris said intelligence reports revealed that the enclaves served as assembly and staging grounds for foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region.
“These elements, working alongside local affiliates, were reportedly planning large-scale terrorist attacks within Nigerian territory.
“The operation was conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, 26 December 2025, following the express approval of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
It was executed under established command-and-control frameworks, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the oversight of the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.
The strikes were launched from maritime platforms located in the Gulf of Guinea after extensive intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and operational planning.
A total of sixteen GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, resulting in the successful neutralisation of the targeted ISIS elements attempting to infiltrate Nigeria through the Sahel corridor.
During the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel. The government confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded, and security agencies promptly secured the affected locations.
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The Federal Government reaffirmed its determination to confront and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist groups seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.
It noted that Nigeria remains aligned with its strategic partners in pursuing coordinated actions to ensure peace, border security, and regional stability.
The government further assured Nigerians that it maintains full control of the national security architecture and remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property.
He call on Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant as sustained operations continue against all terrorist groups threatening the nation.
