TDF Hails US, Nigeria Joint Airstrikes on Terrorists in Sokoto
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Democratic Front (TDF) has commended the joint military operations between the United States and Nigeria which resulted in precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State.
In a statement on Monday, the group said the operation was part of ongoing security and intelligence collaboration between both countries and was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement was signed by TDF Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and its Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo.
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TDF described the airstrikes as a positive outcome of Nigeria–US cooperation in tackling insecurity, noting that the operation followed weeks of joint intelligence gathering and surveillance by American and Nigerian forces.
According to the group, although the strikes were reportedly launched by US forces on the directive of President Donald Trump, the final authorisation was given by President Tinubu to ensure that civilians were not affected.
“We see the airstrikes as a commendable outcome of the ongoing Nigeria/United States collaboration on security and intelligence sharing in the country,” the statement said.
The group added that the operation showed improved understanding between both countries, despite earlier differences over Nigeria’s security situation, and would help strengthen security within the West African sub-region.
TDF also dismissed claims that the airstrikes violated Nigeria’s territorial integrity, insisting that the operation was carried out with the full consent of the Nigerian government.
It cited comments by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who said he was in contact with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, shortly before the strikes and that both agreed to seek President Tinubu’s approval.
The group further referred to a post by the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, who confirmed that the airstrikes were conducted “in coordination with Nigerian authorities” and thanked Nigeria for its support and cooperation.
TDF noted that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had assured Nigerians that the strikes were targeted at weakening terrorist networks while minimising civilian casualties.
It also disclosed that joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations had been ongoing in parts of the North-West and North-East before the airstrikes.
The group said the development reflected the readiness of the Tinubu administration to work with the international community to address insecurity, adding that there was a possibility of more airstrikes on terrorist locations in the coming weeks.
TDF called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
