FG reaffirms resolve against terrorism after joint airstrikes in Sokoto

The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigerian security forces, working in close coordination with the United States, have successfully carried out precision strike operations on two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said the strikes targeted terrorist hideouts within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area.

According to the minister, intelligence assessments identified the locations as assembly points and staging grounds for foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region in collaboration with local affiliates.

The operation, conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and executed under established military command and control structures.

Idris said the operation involved the Armed Forces of Nigeria, with oversight from the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.

He disclosed that the strikes were launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea following extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational planning.

A total of sixteen GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, which successfully neutralised the identified ISIS targets.

During the operation, debris from expended munitions reportedly fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as well as in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises.

The Federal Government, however, assured that no civilian casualties were recorded, adding that security agencies swiftly secured the affected locations.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s counter-terrorism posture, the government said it remains resolute in confronting transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine the country’s sovereignty and internal security.

It added that Nigeria would continue to work closely with strategic international partners to strengthen border security, enhance regional stability and ensure lasting peace.

The Federal Government further assured citizens that it remains fully in control of the national security architecture and is committed to protecting lives and property across the country.

Nigerians were urged to remain calm and vigilant as security operations against terrorist groups continue nationwide.

Very Nigerian.

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