Emerging details indicate that more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired off a Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea, hitting insurgents in two ISWAP camps around Sokoto State.
The United States military, at the request of the Nigerian government, conducted the airstrikes against ISWAP targets on Christmas Day, a coordinated joint operation between the U.S. Africa Command, AFRICOM, and the Nigerian military.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba in a statement on Friday in Abuja explained that the operation was executed with the approval of appropriate authorities and formed part of sustained efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
The missiles struck two ISWAP camps in the Jabo town area of the Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State. An initial assessment indicated that “multiple” ISIS terrorists were killed. Initial reports from local residents of Jabo town mentioned hearing loud sounds and seeing explosions, but no civilian casualties were reported in the specific sites hit by the U.S. strikes.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strikes, stating they targeted “ISIS Terrorist Scum” for “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians”, but Nigerian authorities, however, emphasized that the counterterrorism effort was against terrorists generally and “has nothing to do with a particular religion”.
This military action followed earlier threats by the U.S. President to intervene if Nigeria did not stop the violence against Christians. The Nigerian government confirmed their request for the strikes as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.
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Uba said the operation was executed with the approval of appropriate authorities and formed part of sustained efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria.
“The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage.
“The operation was based on actionable intelligence and meticulous planning.
“It was deliberately calibrated to neutralise the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage,” he stated.
Uba noted that the operation underscored the resolve of the Federal Government, working with strategic partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within Nigeria.
“This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders,” he added.
The defence spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to the protection of lives and property across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and will continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country,” Uba said.
Crediblenewsng.com
