U.S. Drones hit terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State
Long-distance combat drones launched from a United States military facilities in West Africa have hit terrorist enclave in Sokoto state and neutralised a major terrorist on going build-up in the State.
The drones airstrike followed an intelligence-driven security collaboration between the Nigerian government and the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM),
Security sources confirmed that the operation deployed advanced long-range unmanned aerial systems alongside naval strike capabilities from the Gulf of Guinea, enabling precision engagement while significantly minimising collateral damage.
Footage released by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a U.S. naval platform as part of a coordinated strike package executed against identified terrorist locations in north-western Nigeria.
According to intelligence sources, the targets were identified as foreign terror networks and precision strikes were targeted on the terror cells, including elements associated with the Lakurawa and Jenni groups, which intelligence reports say were mobilising fighters from Burkina Faso and Mali to carry out coordinated attacks during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
According to them, the operation followed a continuous 24-hour Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) loop between U.S. personnel stationed in Ghana and Nigeria’s military intelligence command.
“This was a carefully planned and highly selective operation. The surveillance architecture ensured that only confirmed terrorist combatants and logistics hubs were engaged,” the source said.
The officer added that the level of precision achieved attested to the fact that civilian settlements and livestock were deliberately excluded from the strike envelope.
From the United States, sources say the operation aligns with broader efforts to contain transnational jihadist movements and disrupt cross-border terror logistics in West Africa.
The strike, according to multiple officials, followed high-level diplomatic and security coordination that ensured full clearance of the target areas before drone deployment
The Nigerian Armed Forces confirmed on Friday that in conjunction with the United States conducts precision strikes against foreign ISIS elements in North West Nigeria, the Director of Defence Information , Major General Samaila Uba said in a statement.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria.
“The operation was executed with the approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities and forms part of ongoing coordinated efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“The strike followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the capability of the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage. The operation underscores the resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with strategic partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within Nigeria’s borders.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and to supporting joint and inter-agency efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the country,” it said.
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