The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that recent United States-led airstrikes in Sokoto State specifically targeted terrorist staging bases, emphasizing that the operation was meticulously coordinated to neutralize threats while avoiding civilian casualties. The announcement, made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, underscores a new phase of international cooperation in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism.
According to the official statement, the precision strikes were the result of close collaboration between Nigerian authorities and the United States government. The operation focused on two major Islamic State (ISIS) enclaves located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State. Intelligence reports indicated that these sites were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS operatives infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, working in concert with local affiliates to plan and execute large-scale attacks within Nigerian territory.
“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 government stated. The operation, according to the Minister, was carried out only after receiving explicit presidential approval and was conducted under Nigeria’s established security command structure.
The statement detailed that the strikes were executed between 00:12 hours and 01:30 hours, following the green light from President Bola Tinubu. The operation involved the full participation of Nigeria’s military leadership, including the Armed Forces, and was supervised by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff. This high-level involvement highlights the gravity of the threat and the importance placed on the mission’s success.
Providing further insight into the operation, the government revealed that the airstrikes were launched from maritime platforms stationed in the Gulf of Guinea. The mission was preceded by extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance. A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, successfully neutralizing the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor.
In the aftermath of the strikes, concerns were raised about falling debris in civilian areas. The Minister acknowledged that remnants from the operation landed in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel. However, he stressed that no civilian casualties were recorded in either location and that relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas to ensure public safety.
The Federal Government reiterated its unwavering commitment to confronting, degrading, and eliminating terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and security. The statement also reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with its strategic partners and international allies in executing coordinated actions aimed at ensuring lasting peace, border security, and regional stability.
In a bid to reassure the public, the government emphasized that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to the protection of lives and property. Citizens were urged to remain calm and vigilant as security forces continue decisive actions against all terrorist groups threatening the nation.
Internationally, the operation has drawn attention, with the US President stating that American forces had conducted deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria and warning of further action if militants continue to target civilians, particularly Christians. The US administration described the strikes as “perfect,” highlighting the precision and effectiveness of the mission.
This development marks a significant escalation in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, reflecting both the increasing threat posed by foreign extremist elements and the growing cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners. As the government continues to pursue those who threaten national security, the message is clear: Nigeria will not tolerate any incursion by terrorist groups, and it will leverage all available resources and alliances to safeguard its people and territory.
