FG confirms precision strikes on ISIS enclaves in Sokoto, says operation approved by President Tinubu

The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigerian security forces, working in close coordination with the United States, have carried out precision strike operations on two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State.

According to an official statement issued on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the strikes targeted terrorist locations within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area. The areas were identified by intelligence agencies as assembly and staging grounds for foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region in collaboration with local affiliates.

The operation, which took place between 12:12am and 1:30am on Friday, December 26, was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and conducted under established military command and control structures. It involved the Armed Forces of Nigeria, with oversight from the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The government disclosed that the strikes were launched from maritime platforms located in the Gulf of Guinea following extensive intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and operational planning. Sixteen GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted ISIS elements.

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 said no civilian casualties were recorded and that security agencies promptly secured the affected areas.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s counter-terrorism stance, the government said it remains resolute in confronting and eliminating threats posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine the country’s sovereignty and security. It added that Nigeria continues to work closely with strategic partners to ensure border security, regional stability and lasting peace.

The Federal Government assured Nigerians that it remains fully in control of the national security architecture and is committed to protecting lives and property. Citizens were urged to remain calm and vigilant as security operations against terrorist groups continue.