The Federal Government has addressed public concerns over the joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigeria and the United States.
The operation had generated criticism in some quarters, with claims that it failed to achieve its objective and instead affected civilian areas with little impact on terrorists.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) had also raised questions about Nigeria’s precise role in the collaboration, calling for clarity on who was in operational control, the number of casualties recorded, and detailed information on how many terrorists were actually killed and their identities.
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The party warned against mistaking cooperation for what it described as “myopic surrender,” while faulting the government’s communication around the exercise.
However, in a statement released on Friday, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, provided further details on the operation.
He explained that the drone strikes targeted two key ISIS strongholds.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, has 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.”
According to him, intelligence reports showed that the locations served as meeting and launch points for foreign ISIS fighters entering Nigeria from the Sahel and working with local collaborators to plan major attacks.
“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.”
He added that the strikes were carried out in the early hours of Friday with presidential authorisation.
“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, GCFR.”
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The minister stressed that the operation followed Nigeria’s established security command framework.
“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.”
He further disclosed that the strikes were launched from offshore platforms after detailed intelligence and reconnaissance.
“The strikes were launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea, after extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance.”
Idris said 16 precision weapons were deployed during the operation.
“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.”
He acknowledged that debris from the operation landed in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states but confirmed that no civilians were harmed.
“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.”
Reaffirming the government’s stance, the minister said Nigeria would continue to take firm action against terrorism, especially threats posed by cross-border extremist groups.
“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.”
He assured Nigerians that the country’s security apparatus remains firmly under control.
“The Federal Government assures all Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to the protection of lives and property.”
He also urged citizens to stay calm and alert.
“Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all terrorist groups threatening the nation.”
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