Senior military sources have disclosed that armed terrorists who entered Nigeria from Mali and Burkina Faso were planning coordinated attacks across four North West states before they were neutralised in recent joint operations.
According to the sources, intelligence reports revealed a large movement of foreign-linked terrorists through Sahel routes into Nigeria, with plans to strike communities in Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger and Katsina states during the Christmas and New Year period.
The operation, carried out in coordination with the United States military, reportedly targeted confirmed terrorist camps and logistics hubs linked to ISIS-affiliated groups operating in the region. Nigerian forces provided intelligence and target locations, while U.S. assets conducted precision strikes.
Military sources said the strikes were highly selective and based on real-time surveillance to avoid civilian casualties, stressing that only identified terrorist elements were engaged.
The affected groups, including the Lakurawa and Jenni factions, were said to have mobilised fighters from Mali and Burkina Faso as part of efforts to destabilise North West Nigeria.
Security forces are currently conducting follow-up operations in the affected areas to prevent any regrouping and ensure the safety of local communities.
