The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially disclosed the specific locations within Sokoto state that were targeted during a recent joint military operation with the United States against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists. This revelation comes amidst public scrutiny and political debate surrounding the airstrikes.
Precision Strikes Target ISIS Enclaves in Sokoto
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, December 26, 2025, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the operation successfully struck two major ISIS terrorist camps. These camps were located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto State.
Idris explained that the targeted enclaves were identified through intelligence as assembly and staging points. He stated they were being utilized by foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, who were collaborating with local affiliates.
Operation Details and Command Structure
The minister clarified that the operation was conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, following explicit authorization from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Idris emphasized that the action was carried out under established Nigerian command and control frameworks, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The operation was supervised by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, ensuring national oversight of the joint mission.
Maritime Launch and Munitions Used
The Federal Government provided technical details, revealing that the strikes were launched from maritime platforms positioned in the Gulf of Guinea. This followed extensive intelligence gathering and reconnaissance activities.
A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms. The government asserted that the strikes effectively neutralized ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria via the Sahel corridor.
Addressing reports of explosions outside the primary target zone, Minister Idris confirmed that debris from expended munitions landed in two separate locations:
- Jabo, in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
- Offa, in Kwara state.
He, however, strongly reassured the public that no civilian casualties were recorded in either location, noting that relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas.
Government Responds to Criticism and Reaffirms Control
The official disclosure follows criticism from political quarters, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which had questioned Nigeria's operational role and demanded clarity on potential casualties.
In response, the Minister of Information sought to reassure Nigerians, stating that the Federal Government remains firmly in control of the nation's security architecture and is committed to protecting lives and property. He reiterated Nigeria's alignment with strategic partners in coordinated actions aimed at ensuring lasting peace and regional stability.
The government's statement urges citizens to remain calm and vigilant as security operations continue against terrorist groups threatening the nation.
