Wahala Don Burst: US Drops Massive Airstrikes on ISIS in Syria, Sokoto Also Hit!

Na so e be! The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) don carry out big airstrikes against ISIS targets across Syria, and Nigerians won’t forget the connection at home—Sokoto was hit too!

CENTCOM revealed on X that the strikes happened Saturday around 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, alongside partner forces. This operation, called Operation Hawkeye Strike, started December 19, 2025, after a deadly ISIS attack near Palmyra, Syria, that killed two American soldiers and one civilian interpreter.

The US military made it clear: “If you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world.” No shaking!

Interestingly, in December 2025, the US also conducted airstrikes in northwest Nigeria, specifically in Sokoto State, targeting ISIS-linked militants of the Islamic State-Sahel Province (ISSP) and local affiliate Lakurawa. Tomahawk missiles were reportedly used in collaboration with the Nigerian government to dismantle terrorist camps.

These operations show that the fight against terrorism is now global and local, and both the US and Nigeria are keeping the pressure on ISIS wherever they pop up.

For Nigerians, the Sokoto strike is a reminder that terrorism is a real threat, and the government is working with international partners to try to keep citizens safe.

Wahala don burst, but the fight no go stop!

Is Nigeria Now Leading the War in the Air? Why the U.S. Is Shifting to Intelligence Support After Christmas Day Strikes—and What This Means for Terrorism, Banditry, and Security in the North

Is Nigeria taking full control of the aerial war against terrorism and banditry? Why has the United States stepped back from direct airstrikes to an intelligence and reconnaissance role? And what does this new security arrangement mean for the fight against jihadist groups and armed gangs across the country’s troubled regions?

Following U.S. airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day in Sokoto State, the Nigerian Air Force is set to lead subsequent military air operations, as Washington shifts its role to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support. A Nigerian official familiar with the new Nigeria–U.S. security framework confirmed that while the United States will now rely mainly on reconnaissance flights, Nigeria remains open to further American strikes if necessary.

What triggered the change? The Christmas night strikes targeted what U.S. officials described as Islamic State–linked sites in northwestern Nigeria. According to Nigerian authorities, the operation was aimed at militants cooperating with the Lakurawa jihadist group and criminal “bandit” networks that have destabilised large parts of the northwest and north-central regions. Both countries reported that an unspecified number of fighters were killed.

But why is the U.S. stepping back now? In the weeks before the strikes, analysts had already noted increased American surveillance flights over Nigeria—activity that has continued since. However, U.S. officials later described the bombing as a “one-off event,” signalling a strategic shift away from direct military action toward intelligence-sharing and operational support for Nigerian forces.

What role did diplomacy play? The strikes came after a tense period in bilateral relations, sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims in October that violence in Nigeria amounted to the “persecution” and “genocide” of Christians—assertions rejected by Abuja and independent analysts. Although Nigeria later said the dispute had been resolved and that the partnership had been “strengthened,” the unilateral announcement of the strikes by Trump reportedly caused unease in Abuja. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, subsequently described the operation as a joint effort.

What does this new arrangement mean for Nigeria’s security strategy? Nigeria has battled jihadist insurgency since 2009, mainly in the northeast, while heavily armed criminal gangs have entrenched themselves in rural communities across the northwest and north-central regions. By assuming full responsibility for air operations—with U.S. intelligence support—Nigeria appears to be asserting greater operational sovereignty while maintaining strategic cooperation with Washington.

However, critical questions remain: will intelligence-backed Nigerian air power be enough to contain Islamic State–linked fighters and bandit networks? Could the U.S. return to direct strikes if the threat escalates? And does this shift mark a long-term change in America’s military posture in West Africa—or merely a tactical pause?

As reconnaissance flights continue and Nigeria leads future air operations, the evolving partnership signals both a test of Nigeria’s military capacity and a recalibration of U.S. involvement in the region’s counterterrorism fight.

Primate Ayodele Warns Tinubu of Imminent Reprisal Attacks After US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Says Terrorists Are Ready and Government Must Prepare

Popular Lagos-based cleric and founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Nigeria’s worsening security situation following recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State.
In a statement released through his media aide, Primate Ayodele cautioned Nigerians against celebrating the US-led military action, arguing that the strikes do not represent genuine support for Nigeria but rather serve America’s strategic interests. According to the cleric, the operation has exposed what he described as the weakness of the Tinubu administration in tackling insecurity, banditry and terrorism.
Primate Ayodele claimed that terrorists and bandits affected by the airstrikes are already planning heavy reprisals and warned that further attacks could occur. He stressed that kidnapping, terrorism and general insecurity would not end through foreign intervention alone, insisting that Nigeria must take full responsibility for its security challenges. He urged the federal government and the Nigerian military to unite, strengthen intelligence gathering and prepare strategically for possible counter-attacks.
“The government must get prepared,” Ayodele warned, stating that another bombing and violent retaliation could follow, as criminal groups are allegedly ready for the consequences of the recent strikes.
His comments come amid intense national debate over the Christmas Day US airstrikes, which the Nigerian Army confirmed were carried out in collaboration with the United States Africa Command against Lakurawa terrorist camps in Sokoto. While the military says the operation degraded terrorist capacity, critics and religious leaders, including Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, have questioned the approach and called for alternative solutions such as education, dialogue and social support for vulnerable communities.
The warning adds to growing concerns about Nigeria’s security outlook, as authorities continue to battle terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across several regions of the country, despite reported successes by the Nigerian Army and Air Force in neutralising criminal elements.

US and Nigeria Carry Out Joint Missile Strikes on Islamist Militants in Sokoto State on Christmas Day

On December 25, 2025, the United States and Nigeria conducted precision missile strikes targeting Islamist militants in Sokoto State. Ordered by US President Donald Trump and approved by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the operation focused on ISIS-linked positions, aiming to degrade the group’s operational capabilities. The attacks underscore the complex terrorism landscape in north-west Nigeria, where fragmented militant groups, including Lakurawa fighters with shifting jihadi allegiances, have threatened civilians for years. Initially invited by local communities to combat banditry, groups like Lakurawa later turned violent, imposing radical practices and attacking both civilians and security forces. The strikes prompted suspected terrorists to relocate, though insecurity continues to affect Sokoto residents of all faiths.

Fresh Details Emerge as Sokoto Residents Recount Panic, Damage After US Drone Strikes Hit Communities

Residents of Tambuwal and Tangaza local government areas in Sokoto State have shared firsthand accounts of panic and property damage following drone strikes carried out by the United States military on suspected terrorist hideouts. Eyewitnesses in Jabo district of Tambuwal LGA described seeing a low-flying object before a loud explosion created a large crater on farmland, while a medical practitioner said her house roof was damaged by the blast. Although no casualties were reported, the strikes sparked fear among residents, particularly in communities previously considered peaceful. In Tangaza LGA, local officials confirmed strikes on locations believed to be linked to the Lakurawa group, with authorities yet to verify the full impact. Nigerian officials later confirmed the airstrikes as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States.

JNIM Launches First Attack in Nigeria, Signaling Potential Jihadist Expansion

Al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed its first attack in Nigeria, killing a soldier in Kwara State on October 31, 2025. Analysts warn this may indicate the start of jihadist expansion into Nigeria’s North Central region. The attack appears symbolic, with no permanent bases yet, and may leverage local militant networks like Lakurawa. Security experts caution that such alliances could increase instability, blur lines between crime and insurgency, and create new security challenges for Nigeria.

#JNIM #AlQaeda #NigeriaSecurity #KwaraState #NorthCentralNigeria #Terrorism #Insurgency #Lakurawa

BREAKING:

Security forces have recorded another major success in Niger State. The troops moved into the Borgu axis with precision and overpowered one of the most troublesome criminal groups operating in the area. Their coordinated action brought an end to the Lakurawa stronghold linked to the commander known as Amir Tajudeen.

More than forty members of the gang were neutralized during the operation, and the entire camp was cleared out.

Well done to our troops for proving once again that no criminal network is beyond the reach of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

BOOM

Nigerian troops have intensified operations against armed bandits and insurgents in the Lakurawa axis. Within the last 48 hours, security forces successfully carried out coordinated strikes that led to the neutralization of several key criminals, including Kachalla Kallamu, the reported deputy to the notorious Turji.

This operation marks another significant step in restoring peace and security in the region.
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Gunmen Kill Three Immigration Officers in Deadly Attack at Kebbi Border Checkpoint


Suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group launched a midnight assault on a Nigeria Immigration Service checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, Bagudo LGA of Kebbi State, killing three officers and heightening fear among border communities. The attackers, who arrived in large numbers, opened fire on personnel before fleeing through nearby bushes. Local sources and security officials confirmed the incident, which follows a similar attack weeks earlier in the same border axis that claimed a Customs officer’s life and saw official vehicles burned. Authorities say investigations are ongoing as insecurity intensifies along the Nigeria–Benin border corridor.


#KebbiSecurity #BorderAttack #NigeriaNews

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Three Immigration Officers in Kebbi

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, Maje border, Bagudo LGA, Kebbi State around midnight, killing three officers. The incident has intensified fear and tension among residents of border communities.

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Three Immigration Officers In Kebbi
The attack, which occurred around midnight, has heightened fear and tension among residents of border communities.
Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group have attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, along the Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing three officers.

News Brief: Bandits Abduct 20 Women in Fresh Zamfara Attack

At least 20 women and girls were abducted by bandits in Moriki town, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Saturday. The victims were reportedly taken while fetching firewood on the outskirts of the town.

A local resident, Sufyanu Moriki, confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers have not yet made any ransom demands. The Zamfara State Police Command is yet to officially confirm the abduction, as the Command's spokesperson Yazid Abubakar said he had not been briefed.

This latest attack adds to the escalating crisis of banditry in Northwest Nigeria, where violence has displaced thousands and worsened an already dire humanitarian and food insecurity situation. Banditry in the region has evolved from herder-farmer conflicts into well-organized criminal enterprises involving kidnapping, extortion, and illegal taxation of farmers and miners.

Just last month, 33 abductees were killed by bandits in Zamfara despite the payment of a $33,700 ransom. The increasing cooperation between bandit groups and jihadist insurgents, including the newly emerged Lakurawa faction, has further destabilized the region.

While the Nigerian military continues its operations, including recent airstrikes that reportedly killed 95 armed men in Niger State, limited troop numbers, civilian casualties, and a lack of consistent government presence remain major obstacles.
Source: Channels Television

#ZamfaraAbduction #BanditryCrisis #NigeriaSecurity #WomenAbducted #NorthwestNigeria

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Three Policemen In Kebbi State During Attack.

The spokesperson of the command, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, said in a statement on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi that the officers lost their lives during a fierce gun duel with bandits.

Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have killed three policemen after engaging officers in a fierce gun duel in the Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The spokesperson of the command, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, said in a statement on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi that the officers lost their lives during a fierce gun duel with bandits.

Abubakar said that on July 11, about 7pm, the police command received information that suspected Lakurawa bandits were sighted in the forest along Zogirma/Tilli road in Bunza LG.

”On receipt of the report, the Zogirma Divisional Police Officer, promptly mobilised a team of policemen to the scene with reinforcement from No 36, Police Mobile Force Squadron, Birnin Kebbi.

”Upon arrival, the combined team of policemen engaged the suspected Lakurawa bandits in a fierce gun duel.

"As a result, several suspected Lakurawa bandits were neutralised while others escaped to nearby forest with fatal injuries.

“Regrettably, three brave police officers lost their lives during the encounter,” he said.

the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bello Sani, as commending the resilience, bravery and sacrifice of the fallen officers.

He prayed for their gentle souls to have eternal rest.

The CP reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the people of the state.

Sani urged the residents of the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station for prompt response.

15 K+lled in Sokoto Village Att+ck by Suspected Lakurawa Members.

At least 15 people have been k+lled in Kwalajiya village, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following an att+ck by suspected members of the Lakurawa group.

The a§§ault occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday while residents were observing the afternoon prayer.

According to locals, the att+ck was a reprisal for the k+lling of three Lakurawa members—including a suspected leader—during a failed raid on the village days earlier. Armed men stormed the village, opening fire on worshippers and farmers alike. They also b¥rned down homes, shops, and farmlands, and d+stroyed the community’s telecommunications mast, cutting off mobile network access.

“This is the first time they’ve att+cked us directly,” one community leader said. “But it’s likely retaliation for the earlier incident where their men were k+lled."

Another source suggested growing tensions may have also played a role, pointing to recent opposition from local leaders to marrying daughters into the Lakurawa group, a stance that reportedly angered them.

In the aftermath, the village has been deserted as residents flee to nearby towns like Gidan Madi for safety. “They spared the women, but k+lled our men and d+stroyed everything,” one displaced resident said.

Seven people reportedly sustained g¥nshot inj¥ries and are receiving treatment. Local officials and security forces attended the victims’ burial on Wednesday, and additional troops are expected to be deployed.

Police spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufa’i confirmed the att+ck but said casualty figures were still being verified. Community members are urging the government to restore security and telecommunications in the area to help prevent further v+olence.