US Strikes Hit ISIS Locations In Sokoto Being Used To Execute Large-Scale Terrorists Attacks In Nigeria –Information Minister

…As ADC Demands Details Of Terrorists Killed

The Federal Government of Nigeria has stated that, in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, it successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major Islamic State ISIS terrorist enclaves located within the Bauni Forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

A statement signed by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said intelligence confirmed that these locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within Nigerian territory.

The minister stated that the precision strike operations were executed between 00:12 hours and 01:30 hours on Friday, 26 December 2025, following explicit approval by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that the operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of the Honourable Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.


“The strikes were launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea, after extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance,” the statement said.

“A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor.

“During the course of the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel. No civilian casualties were recorded in either location, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria reiterated its unwavering resolve to confront, degrade, and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and security. Nigeria remains fully aligned with its strategic partners and Friends of Nigeria in executing coordinated actions aimed at ensuring lasting peace, border security, and regional stability.

The Federal Government assured all Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to the protection of lives and property. Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all terrorist groups threatening the nation.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the air strikes carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Sokoto state on Friday highlight what it describes as the “historic incompetence” of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The United States launched a series of air strikes on ISIS terrorists in Sokoto in the early hours of Friday.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the United States carried Nigeria along before conducting the air strikes.

In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the opposition party supports lawful efforts to protect Nigerians but blamed governance failure for the foreign military operations on Nigerian soil.

Abdullahi warned that permitting external forces to conduct direct military operations in the country is unsustainable and could undermine Nigeria’s long-term strategic interests.

When the President of Nigeria appears compelled to report himself to another head of state, even tagging a foreign President in a Christmas Day message, Nigerians are entitled to ask who is truly in charge of our country? pic.twitter.com/KSJbE3UYDc

— African Democratic Congress (@ADCNig) December 26, 2025

He also questioned Nigeria’s role in the operation, warning that the country should not be reduced to “mere informants” in an exercise it ought to be leading.

Abdullahi asked the Federal Government to provide clarification on operational control, casualties, and specific information on the number and identity of terrorists killed in the airstrikes.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recognises the serious security challenges confronting Nigeria and affirms that the protection of Nigerian lives and the defeat of terrorism must remain a central national priority,” the statement reads.

“We therefore support all lawful and effective measures aimed at saving lives and restoring security.”

He reiterated the party’s opposition to the physical operation of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil, warning that desperation should not compromise national sovereignty.

“It is in this context that we accept the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes on ‘terrorist locations’ in Sokoto State on Thursday, December 25, 2025, only as a desperate measure that must not be allowed to substitute for a Nigeria-led action,” he said.