U.S. precision air strike in Sokoto approved by Tinubu – Information Minister

December 27, 2025
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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves was approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Idris said the operation that targeted terrorist within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State. was in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America,

This is contained in a statement issued by Idris in Abuja on Friday.

“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 precision strike operations were executed between 00:12 hours and 01:30 hours on Friday, December 26, 2025, following explicit approval by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu,

“The operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.

“The strikes were launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea, after extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance.

“A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor,” Idris said.

According to him, in the course of 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.

He added that no civilian casualties were recorded in both locations, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria reiterates its unwavering resolve to confront, degrade, and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and security.

“Nigeria remains fully aligned with its strategic partners and Friends of Nigeria in executing coordinated actions aimed at ensuring lasting peace, border security, and regional stability.

“The Federal Government assures all Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to the protection of lives and property.

“Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all terrorist groups threatening the nation,” Idris added.

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