FG Confirms Use of GPS-Guided Munitions in Joint Nigeria–US Airstrikes on ISIS Targets

The Federal Government has provided fresh details on the joint counter-terrorism operation carried out by Nigeria and the United States against Islamic State (ISIS) enclaves in Sokoto State, confirming the use of advanced precision weaponry during the strikes.

In a statement released on Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that a total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed during the operation. The strikes were executed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms and were aimed specifically at identified ISIS terrorist locations in Nigeria’s North-West.

Idris explained that the operation was conducted in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., following authorisation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that while debris from the expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State near a hotel premises, there were no civilian casualties recorded in either location.

According to the minister, security agencies and relevant authorities swiftly secured the affected areas to prevent further risks and ensure public safety. He emphasised that the operation was carefully planned and executed with precision to avoid harm to civilians.

The clarification follows earlier comments by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who confirmed that President Tinubu approved the U.S. involvement in the airstrikes as part of a joint effort to combat terrorism in the region. Tuggar stressed that the collaboration was deliberate and transparent, noting that the president insisted the operation must be clearly identified as a joint Nigeria–U.S. mission.

He also underlined that the strikes were not directed at any religion or group, but strictly targeted terrorist elements threatening lives and security. The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to international cooperation in tackling insecurity, while maintaining respect for national sovereignty and civilian safety.

The latest disclosure aims to address public concerns following reports of explosions in parts of Sokoto and Kwara States, while reaffirming the government’s stance on decisive action against terrorism.