By Joy Odor – Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s deepening security alliance with the United States has drawn fresh public backing as the Democratic Front (TDF) threw its weight behind the recent joint air operations that hit terrorist targets in Sokoto State, describing the strikes as a calculated, sovereign-backed assault on insecurity.
In a statement that cut through swirling speculation and online disinformation, the Pro-Democracy Advocacy Group said the precision airstrikes were neither unilateral nor accidental, but the outcome of weeks of coordinated intelligence, surveillance and diplomatic engagement personally authorised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the statement framed the operation as a textbook case of modern counterterrorism cooperation, rooted in mutual respect and strict safeguards for civilian lives.
TDF said the strikes represented a major milestone in Nigeria–US security relations, noting that the Tinubu administration had embraced intelligence-driven partnerships to dismantle terrorist networks threatening the North-West and the wider West African sub-region.
“What happened in Sokoto is the product of sustained joint intelligence and surveillance operations by Nigerian and American forces,” the group said, stressing that the strikes only went ahead after Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief gave explicit approval.
The group also dismissed claims that the operation violated Nigeria’s sovereignty, arguing instead that it underscored Abuja’s control over its security architecture.
According to TDF, while the airstrikes were executed by US forces under orders from President Donald Trump, Nigerian authorities retained full decision-making authority particularly on timing, targets and civilian protection.
TDF pointed to multiple layers of diplomatic coordination preceding the strikes.
It cited remarks by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who disclosed that he held direct talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shortly before the operation, during which both sides agreed to seek and secure President Tinubu’s consent.
Further reinforcing the narrative, the group referenced a public statement by the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who confirmed on X that the strikes were carried out “in coordination with Nigerian authorities,” while thanking Nigeria for its support and cooperation.
For TDF, these acknowledgements collectively dismantle any suggestion of external military overreach.
“The question of territorial integrity simply does not arise,” the group said, adding that Defence Headquarters had already clarified that the strikes were designed to degrade terrorist capabilities while minimising civilian casualties.
Beyond Sokoto, TDF hinted that the operation may signal a broader campaign.
It disclosed that joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft had been active over parts of North-West and North-East Nigeria for weeks, suggesting that further precision strikes could follow.
The group urged Nigerians to rally behind the Tinubu administration, arguing that the Sokoto strikes demonstrate a willingness to leverage international partnerships decisively against insecurity contrary, it said, to opposition narratives portraying the government as weak or indecisive.
As pressure mounts on the government to deliver tangible security gains, TDF’s endorsement adds a political dimension to the military operation, positioning the joint airstrikes not just as a tactical success, but as proof of Abuja’s readiness to confront terrorism with global allies and on its own terms.
