The Federal Government of Nigeria confirms its active role in a successful joint counter-terrorism operation with the United States, which resulted in precision airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria, on December 25, 2025.
This operation underscores the strong bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the US in combating terrorism and protecting innocent lives across the nation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, disclosed during an interview today that Nigeria provided critical intelligence leading to the strikes and granted formal approval for the operation. "It’s Nigeria that provided the intelligence," Minister Tuggar stated. "I was on the phone yesterday for 19 minutes with Secretary of State Marco Rubio of the United States. We spoke extensively, and we agreed that I was going to speak with President Tinubu for President Tinubu to give the go ahead.”
“And I did speak with him and it was agreed also that the statements that would follow would be statements that would show clearly that it is a strike against terrorism and that it is part of the ongoing joint operations between Nigeria and collaboration between Nigeria and the United States."
The strikes targeted known ISIS camps in Sokoto State, resulting in the elimination of multiple terrorists. The operation was conducted at Nigeria's request and in full coordination with Nigerian authorities, highlighting the Tinubu administration's commitment to eradicating terrorism, banditry, and other security threats irrespective of religious or ethnic considerations.
Minister Tuggar emphasized, "Nigeria has remained consistent in its approach, which is to work with all partners that are committed to the fight against terrorism, irrespective of what religion, who the victims are, whether they are Muslims or Christians, and irrespective of what type of terrorism, be it terrorism being carried out in the name of one religion or the other, or indeed even banditry."
This joint effort follows months of intelligence sharing and builds on longstanding US support to Nigeria in addressing insurgencies by groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have caused widespread displacement and loss of life in the northeast and northwest regions.
US President Donald Trump announced the strikes, describing them as a "powerful and deadly strike" against ISIS militants who have been targeting communities in Nigeria. The US Africa Command confirmed the precision nature of the operation, with no reports of civilian casualties.
Minister Tuggar further noted that additional joint operations may follow, stating, "It is an ongoing thing, and we are working with the US. We are working with other countries as well." The Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to collaborate with international partners to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.