Top military sources have confirmed that recent that recent United States precision strikes on terrorist targets in North-West Nigeria, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian military, successfully neutralised foreign-linked terror cells planning attacks across four states.
According to the sources, intelligence reports had revealed a large-scale infiltration of armed terrorists and bandits into Nigeria through Sahel corridors from Mali and Burkina Faso. The groups were allegedly preparing coordinated assaults on communities in Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger and Katsina states.
“It was a successful joint operation with the U.S. military. Nigeria provided the targets, while the strikes were executed by U.S. forces. Cleanup operations are currently ongoing,” a military source disclosed.
The targeted cells, identified as the Lakurawa and Jenni groups affiliated with ISIS, were said to have mobilised fighters from Mali and Burkina Faso with plans to launch attacks during the Christmas and New Year period.
Pentagon disclosures indicated that the operation involved the deployment of precision strike capabilities, supported by advanced surveillance and long-range unmanned aerial systems to ensure accurate targeting and limit civilian harm.
Military sources stressed that the operation was carefully planned and highly selective, with robust surveillance measures in place to ensure that only confirmed terrorist elements and their logistics hubs were engaged.
The successful strike highlights growing cooperation between Nigeria and international partners in countering transnational terrorism and preventing large-scale attacks on vulnerable communities in North-West Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that Nigeria provided the intelligence that led to the recent United States airstrike on terrorist targets within the country and formally approved the operation before it was executed.
Tuggar made the disclosure on Friday while speaking on Channels Television, a day after the United States confirmed it carried out the strike as part of its counterterrorism efforts.
According to the minister, the operation was the product of sustained security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States and had no religious undertone.
He explained that discussions were held at the highest diplomatic and political levels prior to the strike, including consultations with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who granted approval for the operation.
Tuggar said the two countries also agreed that public statements following the strike would clearly reflect that the action was targeted solely at terrorist elements and formed part of ongoing joint counterterrorism operations.
He described the strike as a validation of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity through international collaboration, stressing that Nigeria remains open to working with all partners willing to support the fight against terrorism.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s counterterrorism approach is not driven by religious considerations, noting that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of terrorist violence and banditry.
He added that the sole objective of the operation was the protection of innocent lives, both Nigerian and foreign.
The United States President, Donald Trump, had earlier confirmed the airstrike, while US officials said it was carried out based on shared intelligence and in coordination with the Nigerian government.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East and banditry and terror attacks in the North-West, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacement.
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has expressed strong support for the joint airstrikes carried out by Nigerian and United States military forces on an ISIS terrorist hideout in North-West Nigeria in the early hours of Friday.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere gave unequivocal backing to the operation, describing it as a decisive and necessary response to years of persistent insecurity.
The group said decades of ineffective governance had allowed insurgent groups to flourish, leading to the killing, abduction and displacement of innocent Nigerians across affected regions.
Afenifere noted that the confirmation by the Defence Headquarters that the operation was conducted with the approval of relevant Federal Government authorities was both timely and reassuring.
According to the organisation, the involvement of the United States in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts should be acknowledged rather than criticised, given the scale of the security challenges confronting the country.
It argued that the prolonged failure to dismantle terrorist enclaves had created a vacuum that necessitated the support of capable international partners who recognise the urgency of the situation.
The group stressed that national sovereignty should be judged by a government’s ability to protect its citizens, enforce the rule of law and secure national borders, rather than by political rhetoric.
Afenifere said the lives of Nigerians and the maintenance of peace must take priority over political sentiments or populist criticism, adding that the swift and coordinated military action demonstrated the Federal Government’s resolve to restore safety and stability.
The organisation urged citizens, political leaders and civil society groups to avoid undermining ongoing security efforts with what it described as misplaced criticism, calling instead for unity, support and constructive collaboration to defeat terrorism.
It commended the courage and professionalism of both Nigerian and United States forces involved in the operation and reaffirmed its support for all lawful measures, whether domestic or joint, aimed at ensuring that Nigerians can live in peace and security, free from the threat of terrorism.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as a troubling and inverted flow of information following a recent United States strike on terrorist assets linked to Nigeria.
The opposition party said Nigerians first became aware of the operation through verified social media posts by former US President Donald Trump and other American officials, well before Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official response.
According to the PDP, the ministry’s statement was vague and belated, merely confirming that the Nigerian government had knowledge of and cooperated in the operation, without offering clear details or leadership in briefing the public.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party acknowledged the value of international cooperation in combating terrorism but stressed that the manner of communicating security developments is critical.
The PDP expressed concern that foreign governments appeared to be shaping the narrative on security operations affecting Nigeria, while the Federal Government assumed a reactive posture.
It warned that such a communication approach does not serve Nigeria’s national interest, particularly in light of past reports suggesting that US forces had previously conducted operations within Nigeria without the government’s knowledge or consent.
The party argued that the Federal Government should have been the first to disclose and properly contextualise the development to sensitise Nigerians and manage public perception, rather than issuing a confirmation after the information had already circulated widely.
It added that the delay in official communication raises questions about whether the government was fully briefed ahead of the operation or was as uninformed as the general public.
The PDP urged the Federal Government to review its defence engagement with the United States to ensure better coordination, transparency and joint ownership of counterterrorism operations.
It maintained that defence partnerships should prioritise knowledge transfer and capacity building to enable Nigeria develop sustainable solutions to insecurity, rather than depending solely on externally driven “precision attacks”.
The party concluded that national sovereignty, public trust and effective counterterrorism efforts are weakened when Nigerians hear about security actions affecting their country first from foreign authorities instead of their own government.
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria, warning that the action could polarise the country and undermine its sovereignty.
Gumi’s comments followed confirmation by the Federal Government that Nigeria is cooperating with the US on security and intelligence, leading to precision airstrikes targeting Islamic State-linked groups. US President Donald Trump had earlier announced that American forces carried out “numerous deadly strikes” against terrorists said to be attacking Christians.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday, Gumi acknowledged that fighting terrorism is an obligation in Islam but argued that such actions should be carried out by Nigeria, not foreign powers. He cautioned that foreign military involvement, particularly by the US, could draw Nigeria into broader conflicts and inflame religious and political tensions.
He urged the Federal Government to suspend military cooperation with the US and instead seek assistance from what he described as “neutral countries” such as China, Turkey and Pakistan. According to him, airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, insisting that Nigeria has sufficient manpower to conduct effective ground operations if properly mobilised.
Gumi also criticised reported strikes in Sokoto, a predominantly Muslim area, describing them as symbolic and potentially provocative. He questioned the focus on such locations while areas with long-standing insurgency threats remain in the North-East.
The cleric warned that continued US involvement in Nigeria’s security operations could become a divisive political issue ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on authorities to prioritise national unity and sovereignty in tackling insecurity.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stepped up its public service reform efforts with the successful hosting of a One-Day Strategic Validation Workshop on the FCT Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (FCT-LEAD-P) for Permanent Secretaries.
Declaring the workshop open, the Head of Service of the FCTA, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan (mni), reaffirmed the Administration’s resolve to build a competent, ethical and future-ready civil service in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. She emphasised that leadership development remains central to effective policy execution and improved service delivery for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
Mrs. Nathan explained that the FCT-LEAD-P is designed to institutionalise succession planning, talent management and ethical leadership through a structured, competency-based framework that aligns global best practices with local realities. She urged Permanent Secretaries to provide robust input in validating the programme’s syllabus, noting that their contributions would directly influence the calibre of future leaders in the FCT Civil Service.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, Mr. Rotimi Ajayi, underscored the role of innovative communication as a critical tool for effective governance. He commended the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department (RC&SID) for initiating the programme, describing the workshop as timely and in harmony with the FCTA’s reform agenda under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, and the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25).
Mr. Ajayi noted that beyond technical expertise, public servants must possess strong communication skills to clearly articulate government policies and programmes, adding that this is vital for building public trust, enhancing stakeholder engagement and improving citizen satisfaction. He assured participants of the Administration’s continued support for initiatives that promote professionalism, innovation and excellence in the public service.
Presenting a technical overview, the Acting Director of RC&SID, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, described the FCT-LEAD-P as a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and boosting service delivery across the FCT Civil Service. She disclosed that since its launch in early 2025, the programme has recorded significant milestones toward building a competent, ethical and forward-looking workforce.
Dr. Ahmadu highlighted key achievements, including the development of a competency-based leadership framework tailored to the FCT Civil Service and the drafting of a comprehensive curriculum covering leadership theory, practical skills, ethics, innovation and public sector reforms in collaboration with subject-matter experts. She added that a transparent, merit-based selection process—featuring Computer-Based Tests and oral interviews—has been implemented to identify high-potential officers for the pilot cohort.
According to her, extensive stakeholder engagement sessions with Directors and technical teams have fostered institutional ownership of the programme, while preparations such as training modules, facilitators and partnerships with local and international institutions are being finalised.
She explained that the Strategic Validation Workshop for Permanent Secretaries was convened to consolidate these gains by reviewing and endorsing the LEAD-P syllabus and ensuring alignment with the FCTA’s reform objectives and service delivery priorities.
The workshop featured high-level discussions focused on validating the LEAD-P curriculum, strengthening leadership capacity and enhancing communication for improved service delivery across all Secretariats, Departments and Agencies of the FCTA.
An explosion has been reported around Yidi Road in Offa, a major town in Kwara State, triggering a swift security response y the police, who have since cordoned off the area.
Details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, as information on possible casualties or the extent of damage has yet to be confirmed.
However, the Kwara State Police Command has assured residents that investigations are underway. Speaking to the media shortly after the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ejire Toun-Adeyemi, said security operatives are actively working to ascertain the cause of the explosion.
“Discrete investigations are ongoing to reveal precisely what happened. Please be patient,” she said in a brief message.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.
The House of Representatives has moved to address growing public concerns over the legislative process that led to the passage, presidential assent and gazetting of four key tax reform laws.
The issue emerged shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the bills transmitted by the National Assembly and the resulting Acts were published in the Federal Government Gazette. Lawmakers and policy analysts observed apparent discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and those reflected in the Gazette.
The matter gained prominence when a member of the House raised a Point of Order (Privileges) on the floor, drawing attention to provisions in the gazetted Acts that appeared inconsistent with the versions approved by both chambers. The lawmaker warned that any post-passage alteration, if established, would amount to a serious breach of legislative procedure and constitutional principles.
In response, the House leadership constituted a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the legislative and administrative processes surrounding the Acts. The committee is working alongside relevant standing committees and the National Assembly Management to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify any procedural or administrative factors that may have contributed to the controversy.
In a statement issued by the House Spokesman and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the House explained that public debate has centred on the harmonisation of bills passed by the Senate and the House, the documents transmitted to the President for assent, and the versions ultimately gazetted. The Acts under review are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.
The House assured Nigerians that the ongoing review is being conducted strictly within the constitutional and statutory framework governing the National Assembly. This includes a detailed examination of any procedural lapses, irregularities or external influences that may have occurred in the course of the process.
According to the statement, the review is being carried out in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the Standing Orders of both chambers, and established parliamentary conventions.
For the purpose of accuracy and clarity, the leadership of the National Assembly, led by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both chambers. The House stressed that this step is intended solely to validate and reflect the legislature’s decisions and does not in any way concede or imply a defect in its legislative authority.
The House further clarified that the review focuses strictly on institutional processes and is being conducted without prejudice to the powers of any arm or agency of government, and without affecting existing rights, obligations or legal proceedings arising under the Constitution or other applicable laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism, due process, separation of powers and the rule of law, the House urged members of the public to allow the review process to run its course without speculation. It assured Nigerians of its dedication to transparency, accountability and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, adding that further updates would be provided as necessary.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has strongly condemned the suicide bombing at Al Adum Jummuat Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, describing the attack as a “barbaric and inhumane” act against peace and humanity.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Umar Alkali Jibril, the minister stressed that peace remains the foundation of meaningful development worldwide, warning that acts of terror threaten national stability and critical sectors, including transportation infrastructure essential to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Alkali extended heartfelt condolences to the Borno State Government and the people of the state over the tragic incident, offering prayers for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
According to preliminary reports from the Borno State Police Command, five persons were killed in the explosion, while 35 others sustained injuries. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.
The attack, which occurred during Jummuat prayers on Wednesday, December 24, underscores the persistent security challenges in the North-East, where insurgents continue to target civilian locations despite ongoing military efforts to restore lasting peace.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, investigations are ongoing. The minister, through his media aide, reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to protect lives, property and critical national infrastructure across the country.
ABUJA, December 26, 2025 — The Nigerian government has formally confirmed a deepening security alliance with the United States, revealing that structured intelligence cooperation has enabled precision airstrikes against terrorist positions in the country’s volatile North West region.
In an official statement released today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailed a partnership involving “the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support” conducted within strict adherence to international law, bilateral agreements, and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
A Coordinated Campaign Against Insurgency
The confirmation follows unverified reports and social media speculation about foreign military activity in the region, where groups affiliated with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other militant factions have intensified attacks. The Ministry’s statement provides the first official Nigerian acknowledgment of the operational mechanics behind recent successful counter-terrorism strikes.
“All counter-terrorism efforts prioritize the protection of civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity,” the statement read, addressing potential domestic concerns about foreign military involvement.
Rejecting Sectarian Narratives, Upholding National Unity
In a firm rebuke to narratives that frame Nigeria’s security crisis along religious lines, the Ministry condemned terrorist violence targeting any community. It described attacks on “Christians, Muslims, or others” as “a direct affront to Nigeria’s values and international peace and security.”
This aligns with consistent positions from President Bola Tinubu’s administration and independent conflict monitors, who assert that jihadist violence and farmer-herder clashes have claimed victims across all faiths, disproving claims of a religiously-motivated genocide.
Strategic Objectives and Sovereign Assurance
The Federal Government outlined the strategic goals of the international cooperation, which aim to:
· Weaken terrorist networks and disrupt their financing and logistics.
· Prevent cross-border security threats.
· Strengthen Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
Crucially, the statement emphasized that all cooperative actions are taken with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty—a key point of national sensitivity. The government pledged to “continue engaging relevant partners and to keep the public informed of developments through official channels.”
This formal acknowledgment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s security strategy, transitioning a previously discreet partnership into a publicly acknowledged component of its fight against terrorism, while carefully balancing the imperatives of effective action, civilian protection, and national sovereignty.
