The Nigerian Federal Government has officially confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted approval for United States military airstrikes against terrorist targets in Sokoto State. The operation, which occurred on Thursday, December 25, 2025, was later disclosed by former US President Donald Trump and his Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.
Minister Tuggar Details Presidential Approval and Joint Operation
Providing crucial updates during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily on Friday, December 26, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, elaborated on the circumstances leading to the strikes. He revealed that he engaged in a 19-minute discussion with US authorities prior to the operation.
Tuggar emphasized that President Tinubu's authorization was contingent on specific conditions. "The President emphasised that it must be made clear that it is a joint operation, and it is not targeting any religion," the Minister stated. He further highlighted Nigeria's multi-religious fabric, assuring citizens that the collaboration with international partners is solely aimed at combating terrorism and protecting Nigerian lives and property.
Addressing concerns over national sovereignty, Tuggar asserted, "the Federal Government would not take any actions that would violate our sovereignty. It is a collaboration, it is what we have been calling for."
US Confirms Strikes, Releases Video Footage
The United States Department of War, alongside US Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed the execution of the airstrikes, stating they were conducted "in coordination with Nigerian authorities." The operation reportedly resulted in the death of "multiple ISIS terrorists."
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump described the action, saying, "The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes... Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper." The US Department of War also released a video showing the aerial launch of the strikes on terrorist positions in Sokoto State.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth commented on the social media platform X, noting the timing and hinting at future actions: "The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation."
Framework of Security Cooperation
In an earlier statement, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, characterized the airstrikes as "precision hits" conducted within the framework of existing security cooperation. The ministry clarified that Nigeria's engagement with partners like the United States includes:
- Intelligence sharing
- Strategic coordination
- Other forms of support
These activities are asserted to be carried out in full compliance with international law and with respect for Nigeria's sovereignty. The government maintains that this partnership is essential to addressing the persistent threats of terrorism and violent extremism within the region.
The confirmation of this joint military action marks a significant development in the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria's North-West, underscoring the Tinubu administration's approach to leveraging international alliances in its counter-terrorism efforts.
