December 26, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigerian security forces, in coordination with the United States, carried out successful precision strike operations against two Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the strikes targeted locations within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area. Intelligence reports indicated that the sites were being used by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan large-scale terrorist attacks.
The operation, conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and executed under established military command and control structures. The Armed Forces of Nigeria carried out the strikes under the supervision of the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff.
Sixteen GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted terrorist elements. The strikes were launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea following extensive intelligence gathering and operational planning.
The government disclosed that debris from the operation fell in parts of Tambuwal Local Government Area in Sokoto State and in Offa, Kwara State. Authorities confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded, and affected areas were promptly secured.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Federal Government stated that it remains resolute in confronting transnational terrorist networks threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty. Citizens were urged to remain calm and vigilant as security operations continue nationwide.
