The Nigerian government announced it conducted precision strikes against Islamic State terrorist enclaves in Bauni Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in coordination with the United States. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said intelligence confirmed the locations served as assembly points for foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating from the Sahel region alongside local affiliates to plan attacks on Nigerian territory.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the operations, which occurred between 00:12 and 01:30 hours on Friday, December 26, 2025. The strikes were executed under established command structures involving Nigeria’s Armed Forces, supervised by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, and 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.”
Debris from expended munitions landed in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area, and near a hotel in Offa, Kwara State. “No civilian casualties were recorded in either location, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas.” The government emphasized its commitment to confronting transnational extremist networks threatening national sovereignty and security.
Authorities urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant, assuring Nigerians the government maintains full control of national security architecture. The Federal Government reiterated its alignment with strategic partners in executing coordinated actions for lasting peace, border security, and regional stability across the nation.