The Federal Government has confirmed that precision strike operations were successfully carried out against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State. The operation was conducted in close coordination with the Government of the United States following credible intelligence on the presence of foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region.

According to official sources, the targeted locations served as assembly and staging grounds for terrorists collaborating with local affiliates to plan large-scale attacks within Nigeria. The strikes were executed between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, after receiving approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The operation involved the Armed Forces of Nigeria under established command and control structures, with oversight by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.

The strikes were launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, with 16 GPS-guided precision munitions deployed to neutralise the targets. During the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in parts of Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State and in Offa, Kwara State. Authorities confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded and that the affected areas were swiftly secured.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its determination to confront and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s security and sovereignty. It assured citizens that the national security architecture remains firmly under control and urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant as coordinated actions continue to safeguard lives, property, and regional stability.