The Nigerian government has disclosed details of a joint operation with the United States that resulted in the successful targeting of Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State. The precision strike, which took place on December 26 between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., was authorized by President Bola Tinubu and involved the deployment of 16 GPS-guided munitions using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, also known as drones.
According to the government, the operation was carried out in close coordination with the US and was aimed at neutralizing ISIS elements attempting to enter Nigeria through the Sahel corridor. The strikes targeted two major ISIS camps located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, and debris from the expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises. Fortunately, no civilian casualties were recorded, and security agencies promptly secured the affected areas.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the strikes were executed 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 operation was the result of extensive intelligence gathering, planning, and reconnaissance, and was launched from maritime platforms based in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Sokoto State government has welcomed the joint military action, stressing that no civilian deaths or injuries were recorded in Jabo District. The state government urged residents to remain calm and rely on verified information from security agencies, and noted that it has consistently backed security agencies by providing operational support and equipment to strengthen surveillance, response capacity, and community safety across the state.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to national security, stating that it remains resolute in confronting, degrading, and eliminating terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. The government has assured Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the country’s security architecture and is fully committed to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to remain calm and vigilant as operations against terrorist groups continue.