US–Nigeria joint operation disrupts major terror plot in Sokoto

A coordinated counter-terrorism operation between Nigeria and the United States is said to have neutralised a significant terrorist build-up in Sokoto State, security sources have confirmed.

The action followed weeks of intelligence sharing between Nigerian authorities and the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), culminating in precision strikes carried out during the Christmas period.

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According to multiple security sources, long-range unmanned aerial systems launched from a U.S. military facility in Ghana, supported by naval strike capabilities from the Gulf of Guinea, were used to engage identified terrorist locations in north-western Nigeria.

The operation targeted foreign-linked cells, including elements associated with the Lakurawa which intelligence is mobilising fighters from Burkina Faso and Mali for coordinated holiday attacks.

Security sources hinted that the strikes were guided by a continuous 24-hour Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) loop linking U.S. personnel and Nigeria’s military intelligence command. This allowed for highly selective engagements that deliberately excluded civilian settlements and livestock.

Both Washington and Abuja later confirmed the Christmas Day operation. U.S. officials described the mission as a joint effort carried out at Nigeria’s request, while Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said real-time intelligence sharing enabled “precision hits” on multiple terrorist targets.

Nigeria’s military have since reinforced deployments in border local government areas, including Gudu, Tangaza and Binji, to prevent regrouping by fleeing fighters.

The operation is said to have delivered several gains for Nigeria’s ongoing war against terrorism: Intercepted communications had indicated a “massive convergence” of fighters moving into Nigeria. Neutralising the build-up is believed to have foiled planned attacks on communities during the festive season.

Advanced ISR and drone technology allowed for targeted strikes, minimising collateral damage and reinforcing public confidence in country, noting that the mission underscores the value of intelligence-driven partnerships, enabling Nigeria to address cross-border threats that originate beyond its territory.

Nigeria’s recent designation of armed bandit groups as terrorists provided a clear framework for international assistance, accelerating response times against emerging threats, adding that by disrupting transnational jihadist logistics and movement corridors, the operation contributes to broader stability across the Sahel and West Africa.

Sources noted that the successful action has reduced immediate risks in Sokoto and surrounding border communities, while reinforcing Nigeria’s capacity to counter evolving terrorist networks through coordinated international support.

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