Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed on Friday that 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed against Islamic State (ISIS) elements attempting to enter Nigeria from the Sahel corridor. The munitions were launched from MQ-9 Reaper drones operating from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea.
Also on Friday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said the security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States that led to airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Jabo in Tambuwal local government area and Warrayya and Alkasim in Tangeza local government area, both in Sokoto State, in the wee hours of on Friday, was done in line with international law and with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
These emerged the same day President Bola Tinubu assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the country’s security architecture would soon begin to yield results that would gladden their hearts.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday stressed that the operation was executed with the approval of the appropriate federal government authorities, stating that it formed part of ongoing coordinated efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
The Sokoto State Government, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere and security experts on Friday threw their weight behind the joint airstrikes.
THISDAY gathered that the airstrikes did not cause any damage to residential buildings, even as authorities continue to monitor the areas to ensure the safety of residents. It was also gathered that the debris of the jettisoned parts of Tomahawk Missile were found in Offa.
In Sokoto, the police and military called for vigilance and compliance with safety guidelines to prevent injuries from bomb fragments or secondary explosions.
But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in its reaction to the development, urged the federal government to ensure effective communication, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the airstrikes as the highlight of President Bola Tinubu’s incompetence
Idris: 16 GPS-guided Precision Munitions Deployed against ISIS Targets in Sokoto
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement, disclosed that the operation, which was in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America led to the successful neutralisation of many terror elements on Friday, 26 December, 2025, at Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
The operation, according to him, was explicitly approved by Tinubu and carried out 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.
He said intelligence confirmed that Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area was being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating the country in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within the Nigerian territory.
The federal government stated that the precision strike operations were executed between 00:12 hours and 01:30 hours on December 26.
Idris explained that:” 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 reiterates 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 also 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.
The minister urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all terrorist groups threatening the nation.
Also, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba stated: “The strike followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the capability of the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage.
“The operation underscores the resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with strategic partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within Nigeria’s borders.”
Tuggar: Airstrikes Complied with International Laws, Respect for Nigeria’s Sovereignty
Speaking on Friday on ARISE News Channel, Tuggar said the security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States followed due process and was based on intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, aimed solely at combating terrorism and insecurity.
According to him, “the operation has once again demonstrated Nigeria’s resolve to confront terrorism head-on and its readiness to work with international partners where necessary.
“What this shows is what we’ve been saying all along, that Nigeria is dead serious about the fight against terrorism and insecurity, not just in Nigeria but in the region. And for those who doubted Nigeria’s resolve, this clearly shows that we are ready, willing, and able to work with partners with the United States and with other countries, to fight terrorism in our region.”
The minister confirmed that Nigerian authorities were consulted before the operation was carried out, revealing that he had discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ahead of the strike.
“We had a conversation before the operation. There was an understanding of what would happen if approval was granted. If there was any difference in the timing of public communication, it was not intentional.”
Tuggar added that Nigeria and the United States had agreed on a coordinated approach, insisting that Nigeria remained fully in charge of decisions affecting its territory.
Responding to public debate over the operation, the foreign affairs minister said the government was more concerned with outcomes than public commentary.
“Every Nigerian’s life should matter. It’s not only Christians that are being killed, by the way. We’re not going to dwell on forensic poring over what was said.
“What is of utmost priority to us are the results. I keep saying this: the difference between ontology and consequentialism. We are focused on the consequentialist aspect, the results.
“We are in a very dire situation. We need results. We are willing to partner with others to achieve those results, and this is an indication of a new phase of an old conflict.”
While declining to provide details on casualties, Tuggar said the operation achieved its objectives, noting that operational agencies would release further information at the appropriate time.
“Yes. It was a successful operation. We collaborated, and that cooperation is what matters. On casualties, that falls under the operational aspect, and those who handled the operation will speak to that.
“My role is foreign affairs, diplomacy. Those responsible for the operational details will provide that information at the appropriate time,” he added.
Tuggar dismissed claims that the operation was motivated by religious considerations, stressing that the fight against terrorism has nothing to do with faith.
“Every Nigerian’s life matters. It is not only Christians who are affected. This is not a religious war. It is about terrorism, banditry and criminality.”
The minister linked Nigeria’s security challenges to wider instability in the Sahel region, particularly the collapse of Libya and military coups in neighbouring countries such as Niger and Mali.
According to him, “The collapse of Libya led to the proliferation of weapons across the region,” he explained. “Those weapons found their way into the hands of terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.”
He added that the breakdown of regional security arrangements, including the Multinational Joint Task Force, had made it easier for terrorists to operate across borders.
“These are interconnected issues. Terror groups move freely across borders, and that makes the situation more complex,” he said.
Tuggar also rejected suggestions that Nigeria had surrendered control of its security to foreign powers, stressing that cooperation does not amount to dependence.
“There was never any discussion about relying solely on foreign forces. This is about partnership, not surrendering sovereignty.”
He noted that Nigeria has long-standing security agreements with several countries and that such collaborations are standard practice in global counterterrorism efforts.
The minister concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to working with allies while safeguarding its independence and territorial integrity.
“Terrorism is a global threat. If it is allowed to fester in one region, it will spread. Nigeria will continue to work with its partners to defeat it, but always on our own terms.”
Speaking in a separate video posted on X on Friday, Tuggar disclosed that he held two phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which included one for 19 minutes before the strike and another five minutes before it was carried out.
“We understand that there was some reconnaissance done before the strikes. Were we also involved in that and how so? It’s Nigeria that provided the intelligence,” Tuggar said.
He explained that Nigeria’s involvement was part of an ongoing strategy of working with international partners committed to combating terrorism, regardless of religion, victims, or ideology.
“Nigeria has remained consistent in its approach, which is, like the statement says, to work with all partners that are committed to the fight against terrorism, irrespective of what religion, who the victims are, whether they are Muslims or Christians,” he said.
Tuggar stressed that the cooperation was focused strictly on stopping terrorism and protecting lives, not religious considerations.
“We have been working closely with the Americans. This is what we’ve always been hoping for, to work with the Americans, work with other countries to combat terrorism, to stop the death of innocent Nigerians,” he said.
Chuks Okocha, Deji Elumoye, Olawale Ajimotokan, Linus Aleke, Sunday Ehigiator, Onuminya Innocent and Fidelis David
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