Terrorist encampments in northern Nigeria came under a coordinated airstrike Thursday night in a major joint operation between Nigerian security forces and the United States, targeting Islamic State (ISIS) enclaves in Sokoto State near the Niger border.

Officials confirmed yesterday that follow-up operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining threats.

The operation, described by a Nigerian security source as a “test run,” involved precision targeting of ISIS locations along the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, a key infiltration route from the Sahel region. The militants in the area have been linked to repeated attacks on civilians and government forces.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris said in a detailed statement that the strikes were conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, 26 December 2025, following explicit approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Intelligence confirmed that these locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements, collaborating with local affiliates to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within Nigerian territory,” Idris said.

The joint operation deployed 16 GPS-guided precision munitions using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms. Launches were conducted from maritime platforms stationed in the Gulf of Guinea, under the supervision of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Defence Staff.

A US military official told The New York Times that around a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired during the operation.

The Tomahawk, a long-range, subsonic missile capable of carrying a 1,000-pound warhead, is designed for deep-strike missions and can be launched from ships or submarines over distances exceeding 1,600 kilometres, flying at low altitudes to evade radar detection.

Pentagon footage showed at least one projectile launched from a US warship targeting multiple militants at known ISIS camps.

The US Africa Command confirmed that the initial assessment indicates “multiple” ISIS terrorists were neutralized.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media: “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.”

Commander Dagvin Anderson of US Africa Command also acknowledged Nigeria’s assistance, noting that the operation strengthens counterterrorism cooperation in the region.

Local residents described a terrifying night as the skies turned red, followed by deafening explosions. “It was almost like daytime. Some of us thought a plane had crashed,” said Sanusi Madabo, a resident of Jabo in Tambuwal LGA.

In Offa, Kwara State, fragments from the munitions struck several buildings, including a hotel in Adeleke area, causing substantial damage, though no civilian casualties were reported. Mrs. Biodun Alabi, a resident of Adeleke, recalled the moment: “When fragments started falling, we thought a plane had broken apart. We thank God no one was hurt.”

Tangaza Local Government Chairman Isa Salihu said the targeted areas are well-known terrorist routes frequently used for infiltration from Niger Republic. “These zones are dense forests where they establish camps. We cannot yet confirm if targets were killed; detailed security reports are awaited,” he said, adding that the explosions caused panic among surrounding communities.

Police and bomb disposal experts cordoned off affected sites in Jabo and Offa to secure debris and ensure public safety. The Commandant of Police Base 15 Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Mr Hassan Jatau, led efforts to prevent any accidents from falling missile fragments.

The airstrikes follow a recent series of US-Nigeria counterterrorism efforts in the North-West. Earlier this month, the US conducted air operations in Sokoto and neighboring states, successfully neutralizing several ISIS elements, in coordination with Nigerian forces. These operations come amid heightened insecurity in northern Nigeria, which has drawn international attention.

Residents in Tambuwal and Tangaza LGAs reported witnessing the sky turn red before hearing multiple loud explosions. Panic ensued as families scrambled for safety. In Offa, debris from expended munitions caused structural damage to homes and commercial buildings. A hotel in Adeleke area suffered major damage when a piece of metal pierced its roof.

The Federal Government stressed that no civilian casualties were recorded, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas. Niger Republic security forces reportedly observed some militants fleeing the scene after the strikes. An area in Tangaza LGA remained smoky as of yesterday afternoon, reflecting the intensity of the bombardment.

Information Minister Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to confront and degrade terrorist threats.
“Nigeria remains fully aligned with strategic partners and friends in executing coordinated actions aimed at ensuring lasting peace, border security, and regional stability,” he said, urging citizens to remain calm and vigilant.

Thursday night’s operation highlights the growing collaboration between Nigeria and international partners in counterterrorism, signaling an escalation in efforts to neutralize transnational extremist networks threatening the country’s sovereignty. Authorities continue to monitor the area and conduct follow-up operations as part of an ongoing strategy to secure the North-West.