Nigeria, US Coordinate Successful Strikes On ISIS Elements — Idris

The Nigerian Government has confirmed the successful execution of precision strike operations against two central Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Friday night, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the operation was carried out in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America.

According to the minister, intelligence reports revealed that the targeted locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region.

He explained that the terrorists, working in collaboration with local affiliates, were planning and coordinating large-scale attacks within the country.

Idris disclosed that the precision strikes were conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, following explicit approval by President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that the operation was executed under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.

The minister stated that the strikes were launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea following extensive intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and operational planning.

“A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, leading to the successful neutralisation of the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria through the Sahel corridor,” he said.

Idris confirmed that during the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises.

He stressed that no civilian casualties were recorded in either location and that security agencies promptly secured the affected areas.

Reiterating the government’s stance, the minister said Nigeria remains resolute in its determination to confront, degrade, and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine the nation’s sovereignty and security.

He added that Nigeria continues to work closely with its strategic partners and friends to ensure coordinated actions aimed at achieving lasting peace, strengthening border security, and promoting regional stability.

The Federal Government further assured Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to protecting lives and property.

Citizens were urged to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all terrorist groups threatening the country.