Nigeria’s precision strike operation, approved by President Tinubu, neutralised ISIS enclaves in Sokoto, disrupting cross-border terror threats from the Sahel.
The Federal Government has confirmed that the recent precision strike operation that neutralised two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in northern Nigeria was carried out with the direct authorisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The operation, which took place in Sokoto State, marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign against transnational extremist networks.
The disclosure was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in a detailed statement issued in Abuja.
According to the minister, the coordinated military action targeted terrorist hideouts located deep within the Bauni Forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, a location long suspected to serve as a strategic transit and staging zone for extremist groups operating across the Sahel.
Security intelligence, Idris explained, revealed that the targeted sites were being used as assembly points by foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from neighbouring Sahelian countries.
These elements were reportedly working alongside local affiliates to plan and execute large-scale attacks aimed at destabilising communities and undermining Nigeria’s national security framework.
The minister noted that the precision strike operation was conducted following extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
He added that the mission was executed in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, reflecting Nigeria’s growing collaboration with international partners in confronting cross-border terrorism.
According to official records, the strikes were carried out in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.
The timing was deliberately chosen to minimise civilian presence and reduce the risk of collateral damage.
A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, resulting in the successful neutralisation of the identified terrorist targets.
Idris emphasised that the operation was implemented strictly under Nigeria’s established military command and control structures.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria played a central role, with oversight provided by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.
He further disclosed that the airstrikes were launched from maritime platforms stationed within the Gulf of Guinea, underscoring the complexity and reach of the mission.
During the course of the operation, debris from expended munitions reportedly fell in Jabo, within Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel.
However, the minister confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded in either location.
Relevant security agencies were said to have swiftly cordoned off the affected areas and carried out safety assessments to reassure residents.
The Federal Government described the outcome of the precision strike operation as a major blow to ISIS’ efforts to expand its operational footprint in Nigeria.
Officials believe the disruption of these enclaves has significantly weakened the group’s ability to coordinate attacks, recruit fighters, and move weapons across porous borders.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Idris said Nigeria remains unwavering in its determination to confront, degrade, and eliminate all forms of terrorism.
He stressed that transnational extremist networks pose a direct threat not only to Nigeria but to regional stability across West Africa, making decisive action imperative.
He added that Nigeria continues to work closely with strategic partners and friendly nations to strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance border security, and conduct coordinated counter-terrorism efforts.
Such partnerships, he said, are critical in addressing the evolving nature of modern security threats.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains firmly in control of the nation’s security architecture and fully committed to protecting lives and property.
He urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies as operations against terrorist groups continue nationwide.
As Nigeria intensifies its counter-terrorism drive, the government reiterated that proactive and intelligence-led actions, such as this precision strike operation, will remain a key component of efforts to secure the country and safeguard its sovereignty.
Ireport247news
