By Daniel Bampoe
A coordinated intelligence-driven military operation between Nigeria and the United States has led to the destruction of suspected terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, following weeks of heightened surveillance and intelligence sharing between Abuja and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The operation, executed using long-range U.S. unmanned aerial systems launched from a military facility in northern Ghana, targeted alleged militant camps believed to be operated by foreign-linked terror groups attempting to establish a foothold in north-western Nigeria.
Security sources confirmed that the strikes were carried out after extensive reconnaissance and real-time intelligence collaboration between Nigerian defence authorities and U.S. military planners.
According to multiple security officials familiar with the operation, the targets were camps used by militants associated with the Lakurawa network and other foreign fighters linked to extremist groups operating across the Sahel.
Intelligence reports indicated that these groups were mobilising fighters from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, with plans to launch coordinated attacks across parts of Sokoto State during the Christmas and New Year period.
The operation reportedly combined aerial surveillance, satellite intelligence, and naval strike support from the Gulf of Guinea, allowing for precise targeting while limiting civilian harm.
Footage released by the Pentagon showed a missile strike launched from a U.S. naval platform, forming part of what officials described as a “carefully calibrated” assault on identified terrorist infrastructure.
A senior security source told PRNigeria that the mission was conducted under a 24-hour intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance framework jointly managed by Nigerian military intelligence and U.S. Africa Command.
“Every target was verified multiple times. The objective was to neutralise confirmed terrorist elements without endangering civilians or critical infrastructure,” the source said.
The strikes were reportedly conducted following Nigeria’s formal designation of armed bandit groups as terrorist organisations, a move that provided the legal basis for expanded international military cooperation.
Security officials noted that intercepted communications had revealed plans for a large-scale cross-border offensive, prompting urgent action to prevent a wider regional destabilisation.
Confirming the operation, U.S. authorities stated that the strikes were carried out at the request of the Nigerian government and were authorised at the highest levels in Washington.
The U.S. President described the operation as a decisive response to what he termed “the brutal targeting of innocent civilians by extremist elements.”
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also acknowledged the joint action, emphasising that the operation followed established protocols and involved close coordination between both governments.
The ministry said intelligence sharing enabled “surgical precision strikes” that neutralised key threats while avoiding civilian casualties.
On the ground, Nigerian security forces have since reinforced deployments in border local government areas such as Gudu, Tangaza and Binji to prevent fleeing militants from regrouping.
Military patrols have also been intensified to reassure local communities and maintain stability across the region.
Local officials in Sokoto confirmed that the strikes hit remote militant hideouts near the border with Niger.
While casualty figures remain unverified, authorities say several fighters were eliminated.
Residents in some communities reported seeing flashes in the sky and hearing distant explosions, though officials stressed that no civilian deaths were recorded.
The development marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism cooperation with international partners, particularly as armed groups attempt to expand operations beyond the North-East into the North-West.
