Overview
- AFRICOM said the operation occurred at Nigeria’s request in Sokoto state and killed several militants, marking the first U.S. action in Nigeria under President Trump.
- Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris reported 16 GPS-guided munitions fired from MQ-9 Reaper drones operating from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea.
- U.S.-released footage showed a Navy vessel launching missiles, highlighting discrepancies with Abuja’s account of drone-delivered strikes.
- Nigeria said targets were in rural Sokoto (including Tangaza district) and Kwara, with debris falling in Jabo and Offa; officials reported no civilian casualties as images showed damaged buildings.
- Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said Abuja provided intelligence and expected a joint statement, while Trump said he timed the strikes for December 25 and warned of possible further action.