Nigeria’s Federal Government has officially confirmed the locations of precision strike operations conducted in collaboration with the United States against two significant Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves. The strikes targeted areas within the Bauni forest axis of Sokoto State, identified as key assembly and staging grounds for foreign ISIS elements.
These foreign fighters, originating from the Sahel region and collaborating with local affiliates, were reportedly using these enclaves to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within Nigerian territory. The operation aimed to disrupt these planning activities and neutralize the threat posed by the extremist group.
The coordinated strikes took place between 00:12 and 01:30 hours on Friday, December 26, 2025, following explicit presidential approval. The operation was executed under established command and control structures, involving Nigeria’s Armed Forces and supervised by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, along with the Chief of Defence Staff.
Launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea, the operations were the culmination of extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance. A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles to neutralize the targeted ISIS elements.
During the course of the operation, debris from expended munitions was found to have landed in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and notably in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel. Authorities have confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded in either location, and the affected areas were promptly secured.
The Nigerian government reiterated its unwavering determination to confront, degrade, and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those emanating from transnational extremist networks. Nigeria remains aligned with its strategic partners in executing coordinated actions to ensure lasting peace, border security, and regional stability.
Authorities assured the public that the national security architecture remains firmly under control and is committed to the protection of lives and property. Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all groups threatening the nation’s security.
