US used drones to launch 16 missiles at ISIS in Sokoto; only debris landed in Jabo, Kwara

Ace 2 weeks ago (Last updated: 2 weeks ago) 1 minute read

They successfully neutralised the targeted ISIS elements attempting to enter Nigeria through the Sahel corridor

The Federal Government has explained how Nigerian security forces, in collaboration with the United States, carried out precision strike operations against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State.

Read Also: Trump says US launched ‘numerous’ deadly strikes on IS state in Nigeria The operation happened between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, and was approved by President Bola Tinubu.

The Federal Government said 16 GPS-guided munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper drones, neutralising targeted ISIS elements trying to enter Nigeria through the Sahel corridor. Debris from the munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel.

No civilian casualties were recorded, and security agencies secured the areas. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the strikes targeted two ISIS camps in Bauni forest, Tangaza Local Government Area. Sokoto State government welcomed the joint operation. Despite anxiety in Bargini, no civilian deaths or injuries were recorded in Jabo District. Residents were urged to remain calm and rely on verified information. Intelligence reports showed the targeted locations were used by foreign ISIS elements to plan attacks. The US strikes were executed with the involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The operation was launched from the Gulf of Guinea after intelligence gathering. The Federal Government remains committed to national security and protecting lives and property.