ABUJA, Nigeria — United States Africa Command and Nigeria’s military on Thursday confirmed that coordinated airstrikes in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025 hit targets linked to foreign-based extremist groups, saying the operation was carried out with precise targeting that avoided civilian harm.
In separate statements, both sides said the mission focused on sites associated with a Sahel-based network operating in border communities in Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi State.
U.S. officials characterised the fighters as linked to the Islamic State, and said the action followed coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Officials said the campaign took place shortly after midnight on Christmas Day and was aimed at a faction described by Nigerian authorities as the Lakurawa group.
AFRICOM confirms coordination and targeting
AFRICOM said the operation was conducted under directives from the U.S. president and the secretary of defence and formed part of ongoing efforts against violent extremist networks in West Africa.
The command said the strikes delivered “precision hits” on identified targets.
The command also stated, “Our objective remains the disruption of violent extremist organisations wherever they operate,” adding that the mission was coordinated closely with Nigerian counterparts.
Earlier reporting by PRNigeria said multiple platforms were involved in the mission, including long-range unmanned systems and naval capabilities operating from the Gulf of Guinea.
Pentagon-released footage was reported to show a projectile launched from a U.S. naval asset.
A senior defence intelligence source told PRNigeria that the mission was guided by continuous surveillance linking U.S. personnel in Ghana with Nigerian military intelligence.
The source said, “The operation was executed with extreme precision. Only confirmed terrorist combatants and logistics hubs were engaged.”
Officials also said civilian communities and livestock were excluded from the strike areas.
Legal basis and follow-on security measures cited
Nigerian military sources said the operation was conducted with the consent of Nigerian authorities and within legal frameworks tied to counterterrorism cooperation.
They cited Nigeria’s designation of so-called “bandits” as terrorists and referred to international principles permitting assistance at the request of a sovereign government.
Security officials said troops were subsequently reinforced in Gudu, Tangaza and Binji Local Government Areas to prevent regrouping and to stabilise communities in the aftermath of the strikes during the festive period.
