Long-distance combat drones launched from a United States military facility in Ghana have neutralised a major terrorist build-up in Sokoto State following an intelligence-driven security collaboration between the Nigerian government and the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Multiple 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.

Targets Linked to Foreign Terror Networks

The precision strikes targeted foreign-linked 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.

A defence intelligence source disclosed that the operation relied on 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 meant civilian settlements and livestock were deliberately excluded from the strike envelope.

Legal Framework and Strategic Interests

Security officials noted that Nigeria’s recent formal designation of armed bandit groups as terrorists provided the legal framework for international military assistance involving kinetic action.

Intercepted communications had revealed what officials described as a “massive convergence” of fighters moving through Sahelian corridors into Nigeria, raising concerns about a coordinated regional escalation involving groups operating across Burkina Faso and Mali.

For 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.

Christmas-Day Confirmation

Official confirmations later emerged from both Washington and Abuja regarding the Christmas Day airstrikes.

According to statements attributed to U.S. President , the strikes were personally authorised as a response to what he described as the “vicious killing of innocent citizens” by ISIS-linked elements operating in Northwest Nigeria.

The U.S. Africa Command also confirmed that the operation was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government, describing the mission as a joint counter-terrorism effort.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly acknowledged the coordination, stating that real-time intelligence sharing enabled “precision hits” on multiple terrorist targets.

Military Reinforcement Continues

Nigeria’s armed forces have since reinforced deployments in border Local Government Areas including Gudu, Tangaza, and Binji to prevent regrouping by fleeing fighters and to secure communities throughout the festive period.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary hinted that further operations may follow, posting on social media: “More to come…”

According to PRNigeria, security analysts say the successful neutralisation of the terror build-up has disrupted a major plot aimed at destabilising Sokoto and surrounding border communities during the holidays.

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