U.S.-backed airstrikes have struck Islamic State-affiliated camps in northwest Nigeria, according to reports from the Nigerian government on December 26. The operation, which reportedly caused structural damage to homes in Kwara State, was aimed at eliminating foreign fighters who had infiltrated the area from the Sahel region.
The strikes targeted two camps located in the Bauni forest of Sokoto, deploying 16 GPS-guided precision munitions via MQ-9 Reaper drones. These drones launched from maritime platforms stationed in the Gulf of Guinea, as confirmed by Nigeria’s information ministry.
While officials reported no civilian casualties resulting from the strikes, residents in the nearby town of Offa recount a late-night explosion that damaged several homes. One local, Quadri Saka, described the experience of returning home around 11 p.m. when he heard a loud blast that left him momentarily disoriented.
President Bola Tinubu approved the operation following comprehensive intelligence that suggested these camps were being used by foreign ISIS operatives in conjunction with local affiliates to plan significant attacks within Nigeria. This military action comes as part of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against Islamist insurgents that has persisted for over a decade. The involvement of foreign fighters linked to ISIS underscores a concerning escalation of the security threats facing Africa’s most populous nation.
The efforts to combat such extremist groups highlight not only the challenges Nigeria faces but also the commitment of international partners to help stabilize the region. With ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling these camps, there remains hope for a more secure future in the fight against terrorism.
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