- No Civilian Casualties After US-Backed Airstrikes – FG
- The precision airstrikes were jointly carried out by Nigerian and United States forces against 2 major ISIS hideouts
- Says relevant authorities swiftly secured the affected areas to prevent secondary risks
The Federal Government has confirmed that debris from recent United States–backed airstrikes against Islamic State, ISIS, terrorist enclaves landed in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, but stressed that no civilian casualties were recorded.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Fire Breaks Out in 22 Storey Building in Lagos
- 2027: Tinubu Sets Up APC Strategy, Conflict Resolution Committee
- Hon. Tobun Reaches Over 10,000 Households with Christmas Support Across Epe Constituency I
According to the statement, the precision airstrikes were jointly carried out by Nigerian and United States forces against 2 major ISIS hideouts located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The government said intelligence reports revealed that the targeted locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria through the Sahel region, working in collaboration with local affiliates to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks.
The operation was conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, following explicit approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was executed 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, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff.
According to the Federal Government, the strikes were launched from maritime platforms positioned in the Gulf of Guinea after extensive intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and operational planning.
A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, successfully neutralising ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria through the Sahel corridor.
However, during the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as well as in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel.
The government emphasised that no civilian casualties were recorded in either location, adding that relevant authorities swiftly secured the affected areas to prevent secondary risks.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Federal Government said it remains resolute in confronting, degrading, and eliminating terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability.
“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 statement said.
The government further assured Nigerians that it is firmly in control of the national security architecture and remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the country, urging citizens to remain calm and vigilant as counter-terrorism operations continue nationwide.
FURTHER READING
- Kano Assembly Loses Two Lawmakers in Tragic Double Death
- NLC Demands Fair Tax System, Workers’ Inclusion
- ‘Freedom of Worship Must Be Protected’ – Tinubu Tells Nigerians in Christmas Message
Click here to watch video of the week
