No Civilian Casualties As US-Nigeria Strike Neutralises Terrorist Cells In Sokoto

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in coordination with the United States, has successfully carried out precision strike operations against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

The operation, executed in the early hours of Friday, 26 December 2025, targeted foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, who were reportedly collaborating with local affiliates to plan large-scale attacks within the country.

The strikes, which took place between 00:12 hours and 01:30 hours, were approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and carried out under established command structures, with full involvement of the Nigerian Armed Forces and supervision from the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.

Using intelligence gathered over several weeks, the operation deployed 16 GPS-guided munitions via MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms launched from maritime positions in the Gulf of Guinea, successfully neutralising the targeted cells.

Debris from the munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel, but no civilian casualties were reported. Authorities swiftly secured the affected areas, ensuring safety and preventing any collateral damage.

The operation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to confronting transnational terrorist networks and protecting its citizens while strengthening cooperation with strategic partners such as the United States.

The government reaffirmed its control over national security and its resolve to safeguard lives and property, urging citizens to remain calm and vigilant as counterterrorism efforts continue.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the successful strike as a demonstration of Nigeria’s capability to execute targeted operations against extremist threats while maintaining civilian safety.

The Federal Government emphasized that coordinated international action is essential in ensuring regional stability, border security, and lasting peace.