Nigerian Military Urges Sokoto Residents to Return Explosive Materials Taken From Site of U.S. Christmas Day Airstrike

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to residents of Sokoto State to return explosive materials allegedly removed from the site of the U.S. Christmas Day airstrike in Jabo community, warning that the items pose serious danger to individuals and the public. The appeal was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who expressed concern that unauthorised persons picked up sensitive and highly dangerous materials from the blast scene.

Onoja stressed that only specialised military formations are trained to recover and neutralise explosive devices, urging those in possession of such items to return them to nearby military bases or recognised security locations for safe disarmament. He also called on the media to help spread the message to prevent possible loss of lives.

The appeal follows ongoing investigations into the joint Nigerian–U.S. airstrike targeting terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The state government has confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded and said post-strike assessments and analyses are still underway, while reiterating its commitment to working with security agencies to address security threats in the state.

Debris from US airstrike hit Kwara hotel and injured some staff, hotel owner claims.

A Nigerian hotel owner said that three of his staff were hospitalised with injuries after debris from munitions fell on his hotel following US airstrikes targeting militants in northwest Nigeria.

The surprise US raid on Christmas Day targeted militants linked to the Islamic State group, according to sources in Abuja and Washington.

The federal government had acknowledged that debris from the munitions fell in various locations, including “in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel,” but stated that there were no civilian casualties.

However, the owner of the Solid Worth Hotel in Offa, approximately 800 kilometres from the strike targets in Sokoto’s Tangaza district, told AFP that three workers were injured after what appeared to be a missile hit the hotel.

“Suddenly on Christmas Day, around late evening past 10 pm, a bomb missile allegedly shot by the US military—maybe it misrode and hit my hotel,” said Taofeek Bello.

“It landed inside the hotel building, caused a little bit of damage, injured three staff,” he added.

Bello said one worker suffered what he described as a “traumatic” injury and was rushed to a psychiatric hospital. Another sustained a severe head injury, while a third was injured in the legs and lap; all three remain hospitalised.

Bello explained that the debris hit an unoccupied room of the 22-room, two-star hotel before landing outside.

Photographs he shared with AFP appeared to show a missile head being examined and collected by security forces. Only two rooms were occupied at the time, and no guests were injured.

Kwara State police told AFP that “as of this moment, there are no details yet. Investigations are ongoing.”

Daniel Bwala, a spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, told AFP on Monday, Dec. 29, that “there were no casualties except the terrorist(s).”

Sokoto Bombing: Senator Ali Ndume Urges FG to Extend US Missile Strikes to Boko Haram, ISWAP Strongholds in North-East

Borno South Senator and former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has called on the Nigerian government to expand its ongoing joint military operations with the United States beyond Sokoto to the North-East region. Ndume made the call while reacting to the recent US airstrike in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State, which targeted ISIS-linked militants. According to him, extending the collaboration to areas such as Lake Chad, the Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains would significantly weaken Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents. He also advocated deeper intelligence sharing, logistical support, and deployment of attack helicopters to assist Nigerian troops. Ndume commended President Bola Tinubu for increased defence spending in the 2026 budget, while urging transparency in its execution, and expressed condolences to victims of the recent mosque bombing in Maiduguri.

Tinubu Approved Nigeria–US Airstrikes On Sokoto Forests, Government Confirms ISIS Camps Targeted In Precision Strikes

The Nigerian government has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu authorised joint airstrikes carried out in collaboration with the United States against suspected Islamic State (ISIS) enclaves in Sokoto State. According to a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the precision strikes targeted two major ISIS camps located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area. Intelligence reports revealed that the sites were being used by foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region to plan large-scale terrorist attacks alongside local affiliates. The operation, conducted in the early hours of December 26, 2025, involved the deployment of 16 GPS-guided munitions from MQ-9 Reaper drones launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea. The government said the operation was executed under full Nigerian command structures with no civilian casualties recorded, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating transnational terrorist threats and safeguarding national security.

Sokoto Government Confirms Nigeria–US Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Camps In Tangaza, Says No Civilian Casualties Recorded

The Sokoto State Government has confirmed that a joint air operation conducted by the Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States targeted terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area, resulting in the destruction of identified camps without any civilian casualties. In a statement issued by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa, the government said investigations and post-strike assessments are still ongoing to determine the full impact of the operation. The state also addressed public concerns over suspicious objects discovered near Jabo town, noting that detailed analysis by Nigeria–US military authorities is underway. Reaffirming its support for security agencies, the Sokoto Government welcomed international collaboration against terrorism and urged residents to remain calm, cooperative and prayerful as efforts continue to combat banditry and cross-border crimes in the state.

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.

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.