Residents in parts of northern Nigeria were left shaken and confused on Christmas night after missile strikes reportedly fired by the United States hit areas in Sokoto and Kwara states, according to eyewitness accounts and military sources.
Explosions were heard in Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State and in Offa, Kwara State, with witnesses describing sudden, loud detonations that rattled buildings and frightened communities.
Similar explosions were also reported in parts of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto, though details remain unclear.
Sources said the strikes were aimed at Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwestern Nigeria, following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media that American forces had carried out powerful attacks against what he described as “ISIS terrorist scum” responsible for killing mainly Christians.
Despite the dramatic blasts, no official confirmation of casualties has been made.
A senior military source noted that initial reports suggest the missiles may not have hit their intended targets and that there were no confirmed deaths or arrests.
Another official said the operation may have involved shelling from a naval vessel, with limited impact on militants.
Security experts and analysts raised questions about the choice of locations, noting that areas like Jabo and Offa are not known strongholds of armed groups, and urged improved intelligence efforts in future operations.
Eyewitnesses described fearful scenes as villagers rushed from their homes to investigate the explosions.
In Sokoto State, fragments believed to be parts of the strikes were found near a hospital and surrounding farmlands, prompting a police cordon.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed ongoing security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to tackle terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that such collaboration respects Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In Kwara State, residents reported property damage and injuries from falling debris, though official casualty figures remain unverified.
Security forces have cordoned off affected areas while investigations continue.
The strikes come amid broader international efforts to counter extremist groups operating in the Sahel and West Africa, and follow previous warnings by U.S. officials of possible military engagement in Nigeria.
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