By Joy Odor
A new chapter in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign unfolded this week as the Democratic Front (TDF) threw its weight behind the joint United States–Nigeria air operations that struck terrorist targets in Sokoto State, describing the action as a decisive product of diplomacy, intelligence, and presidential authority.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group said the precision airstrikes marked a turning point in Nigeria’s security engagement with Washington, firmly rejecting claims that the operation breached the country’s sovereignty.
According to TDF, the strikes were conducted only after President Bola Tinubu gave explicit approval, following weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering and surveillance by both Nigerian and American forces.
The group framed the operation as a tangible dividend of renewed security cooperation between Abuja and Washington, noting that the strikes demonstrated how intelligence-sharing and joint planning can translate into decisive action against terrorist networks.
TDF acknowledged that the airstrikes were executed by US forces on the directive of President Donald Trump but stressed that Nigerian authorities retained full control over the decision-making process.
President Tinubu’s approval, the group said, was critical to ensuring that the operation aligned with Nigeria’s national interest and prioritised civilian protection.
“It is reassuring,” the statement noted, “that the Defence Headquarters made it clear that the strikes were carefully designed to degrade terrorist capabilities while minimising civilian casualties.”
The group also pushed back strongly against what it described as disinformation surrounding the operation.
It cited remarks by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who disclosed that he had spoken directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shortly before the strikes, during which both officials agreed to seek and secure President Tinubu’s consent.
Further reinforcing the government’s position, TDF pointed to a public statement by the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who confirmed that the airstrikes were carried out “in coordination with Nigerian authorities” and expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s support and cooperation.
Taken together, TDF argued, these disclosures leave no room for claims that Nigeria’s territorial integrity was compromised.
The group revealed that the Sokoto strikes were preceded by weeks of joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with aircraft monitoring terrorist movements across parts of North-West and North-East Nigeria. The airstrikes, it said, were the culmination of that sustained effort.
For TDF, the operation signals a broader policy direction under the Tinubu administration, one that embraces international partnerships to confront insecurity head-on, despite criticism from opposition voices.
Looking ahead, the group suggested that further strikes on terrorist enclaves could follow in the coming weeks, urging Nigerians to rally behind the government’s security strategy.
“The readiness of this administration to work with the international community to stem the tide of insecurity is now evident,” the statement concluded, describing the Sokoto operation as both a military and diplomatic statement of intent.
